Tacloban City– – Government forces successfully unearthed an arms cache belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Brgy Mahilum, Hindang, Leyte yesterday morning, January 11, 2025.
The discovery was made through the joint operations of 14th Infantry “Avenger” Battalion, 93rd Infantry “Bantay Kapayapaan” Battalion and 82nd Military Intelligence Company as part of the intensified operations aimed at dismantling the dwindling NPA forces in the region. The arms cache contained one (1) M60 machine gun, one (1) M16 rifle, and one (1) M14 rifle.
The success of the joint strike operations and discovery of the armed cache was the result of the continuous dialogue and consultations conducted to the former rebels and part of the ongoing operations targeting the remnants of Island Committee LEVOX, which operates in the area. The 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IBde) of the 8th Infantry Division, has been leading efforts to weaken the remaining NPA elements in Leyte.
Lieutenant Colonel Edgar A Gabia INF (GSC) PA, Commander of the 14IB, attributed the discovery to the crucial information provided by surrendered former rebels from the remnants of Island Commitee LEVOX as part of the implementation of the 802nd Brigades Project LEVOX (Living a Life that Embraces peace and development thru Values and reconciliation that will Overcome fear, hatred and eXpand the culture of peace to each one of us). Said FRs revealed the identities of existing contacts of the remnants of the IC LEVOX in the areas where they seek refuge as they continue to evade the government operating forces. He also credited the Brigade’s Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families (FReE Families) program, which fosters sustained engagement with the families and relatives of active NPA members. These programs, along with focused military operations and active stakeholder engagement, has been vital in securing both the peace and stability of the communities.
Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops for gaining the trust and cooperation of former NPA members, local government units, and the community, transforming them into valuable partners in the pursuit of peace in the region.
“To the government troops, this is a positive sign for the start of the year 2025, as we will continue to dedicate our utmost service to attain peace and development in our area of responsibility,” Brig. Gen. Vestuir.
Brig. Gen. Vestuir also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the efforts of former members of IC LEVOX in providing crucial information that led to the success of the operations. “The recovery of these war materials is a testament of the commitment of the former members of IC LEVOX in helping the government to attain peace, by ensuring the safety and security of our people and isolating the remnants of the NPAs from our communities. The continuous cooperation and collaboration of our former rebels are vital components of our strategy to achieve a lasting peace in the region. They are more knowledgeable on the human and physical terrain in the areas they used to hide and they are the best people that could help us in our efforts to convince their former comrades to join them in the mainstream of our society.” This is also a manifestation of the unwavering support and trust of our local folks in the municipality of Hindang here in the province of Leyte in our efforts to sustain the peace in the area. The families of our Friends Rescued (FRs) likewise showed their commitment to support our thrust to end the local communist armed conflict in their communities. Motivating their loved ones to cooperate with the government is a clear manifestation that they have the trust and confidence towards our FReE Families program,” Brig. Gen. Vestuir said.
Brig. Gen. Vestuir reiterates his call to the remnants of IC LEVOX in the area to go down and abandon the armed struggle. “I once again urge the remnants of NPAs to heed the call of their former comrades, families, friends, relatives and loved ones to abandon the armed struggle and grab the opportunity extended by the government. Come out now, avail the government’s amnesty program and live a peaceful life with your family, former comrades and love one’s.” Vestuir ended. –