Civilian support leads encounters against local terrorist groups

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – Three more encounters of the Army’s 8^th Infantry Division against the notorious New People’s Army (NPA) was recorded for the past few days because of the relentless support from the local folks.

In the boundary of Brgys Magsaysay and Siljagon of Mapanas, Northern Samar elements of 63^rd Infantry Battalion under 2^nd Lieutenant Rey Acasio sparred against some ten (10) armed members of the terrorist NPA around 12:00 NN of March 27.

2^nd Lieutenant Acasio said that they were conducting a routine security patrol in the area when a certain folk from Brgy. Siljagon secretly informed them on the presence of armed men who passed along their barangay.

Without losing time, they went through the given direction where they encountered the reported armed group.

Meanwhile, around 9:50 A.M. of March 28, elements of 82^nd Division Reconnaissance Company under 1^st Lieutenant Bernie Jay Guerra encountered some 30 members of NPA in the boundary of Brgy. E. Duran, Bobon, Northern Samar and Brgy. Macatingog, Oquendo District of Calbayog City also following the tip from a civilian.

Moreover, around 4:20 yesterday afternoon, elements of 63IB under 1^st Lieutenant Ariel Rosuelo once again crossed their path against the terrorist group in the outskirt of Brgy. Inaguingayan, Pambujan, Northern Samar when information was received that the terrorist are conducting extortion activity in the said barangay.

Troops of Rosuelo managed to ran after the terrorists that were about to proceed towards the next barangay after extorting money in the previously mentioned barangay.

It ensued to a firefight for about 20 minutes before the rebels fled away dragging their wounded comrades.

One (1) terrorist was killed and one (1) caliber .45 pistol with loaded magazine assembly and volume of subversive document and campaign paraphernalia were recovered and undetermined numbers of wounded as evident of bloodstains left in the area while no reported hurt on the side of the government during the processes.

Major General Arthur I. Tabaquero, commander of 8^th Infantry Division once again commended his troops for the successful feats.

He then gave emphasis on the importance of collaboration between the civilians and the soldiers.

“As I have mentioned in the past, these successes can be attributed to our people. As for they are the reason why we exist, our services can be fully carried out if our people also show concern, first for the country and second for themselves,” he adds.

Although saddened that somebody’s life has once again sacrificed, Major General Tabaquero reminded everyone that as mandated by the constitution as the protector of the people and the state and to secure the sovereignty of the state and integrity of national territory, the 8ID is continuously conducting its traditional roles against local terrorist groups to prevent the continuance of their violent, destructive and terrorist activities being inflicted on the people.

“To our barangay folks, should some wounded NPA’s were brought to your attention for medication, please feel free to inform the immediate Army unit’s in your area for us to attend any medical support to them. We will not be hesitant to help them for they also have the right to receive medical services we give to our wounded soldiers,” Major General Tabaquero’s message to the civilian.

“And of course to our brothers and sisters whom I always considered as victims of Communist’s deceptive ploy, we can prevent worthless losing of lives if we will embrace the government’s means to re-integrate to our mainstream society. We can work hand a hand for a true and meaningful endeavor towards peace and development of Region 8,” he concluded. ###