Catbalogan City, Samar — The Army’s 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division successfully seized two firearms during focused military operations against the communist terrorist group (CTG) in Northern Samar.
On Wednesday, November 12, troops from the 20th Infantry Battalion (20IB), operating under the 803rd Infantry Brigade, encountered more or less six communist rebels from the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU), under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Arctic of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), in the remote areas of Barangay Manering, Catubig, Northern Samar.
The 15-minute firefight resulted in the recovery of one Bushmaster M4 rifle, one M16 rifle, and various CTG war material and personal belongings.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard P. Villaflor, Commanding Officer of the 20IB, credited the local community for the operation’s success.
“Today, our troops demonstrated their commitment to maintain peace and security in Catubig, Northern Samar. This success highlights the importance of community cooperation in combating insurgency,” Lt. Col. Villaflor said.
“We thank the public for their trust and timely support. Let us remain united and vigilant in achieving lasting peace and development in Northern Samar,” he added.
Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander of 8ID commended the troops for their ongoing efforts to weaken the remaining CTG units through relentless combat operations.
“Our continued success has disrupted the morale of the remaining CTG members and caused internal discord within their ranks,” Maj. Gen. Orio stated.
“As we intensify our operations, we expect to see more surrenders from those who are currently evading government troops. We call on the remaining CTG members to abandon violence and surrender. A better future awaits to those who choose peace, and we assure them of the government’s support as they reintegrate into society,” Maj. Gen. Orio concluded.