Arteche Mayor Survives Terrorist NPA’s attack

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Few days after the termination of temporary truce to give way the peace negotiation abroad between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), their terrorist wing New People’s Army (NPA) resumed their evil desires by waylaying the municipal mayor of Arteche, Eastern Samar late morning yesterday that had killed one police officer, and wounding 3 other policemen and one civilian.

In the report that reached to this headquarters, around 10:15 yesterday morning when Mayor Rolando Evardone escorted by the PNP Regional Mobile Group (RMG) under Police Inspector Al Tanciado on board nine (9) motor cycles were traversing the road towards Sitio Tangbo of the said municipality to raid the reported on going illegal cock fighting, a sudden burst of improvised explosive device followed by the heavy volume of fire occurred.

As a result, Inspector Tanciado, the RMG team leader was killed while his other three (3) members identified as PO1s Elmer Tesado, Kenneth Tafalla and Sherwin Furtgada were wounded and a habal-habal driver, Noe Operario were reported wounded during the ambush and are now in the Arteche District Hospital for medical treatment.

Troops of the Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion and 52nd Cadre Battalion had dispatched their respective troops to conduct present operations. Troops are still in the area as of press time.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s chief strongly condemned in the strongest possible terms the newest insincerity of CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN) to pursue the peace initiatives in the higher level. Since the enemy is continuously using the destructive improvised explosive devices (IED) which is banned and condemned globally, they are just showing that the existing human rights and international humanitarian law are taken for granted and disrespected sincerely by the CNN.

“Another civilian has once again hurt in this NPA’s brutality. I can say that Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) is very much unworthy to them and they just consider it as a plain literature. Civilians who are not directly involved in armed conflict should not be subjected as target. This is a very serious violation of our people’s rights that is deemed condemnable in the strongest possible terms,” declares Major General Chan.

Major General Chan also said that the 8th Infantry Division under his watch will always be committed to continuously uphold the Constitutional thrusts despite insincerity of the other party. The 8ID thru their field units is now conducting constant coordination with the PNP to run after the perpetrators and let them face the charges bounded by the law.

“This incident calls for a serious effort to stop insurgency in the whole Eastern Visayas for the benefit of our people. May all the people particularly in this place be united to act as one and cry out for the genuine peace and justice to all victims of the disrespect to the peoples’ rights and humanitarian law. Let the whole citizenry speak up to continuously pursue these terrorists until finally we could put an end on their violence,” Chan adds.

“Inspector Tanciado and his teammates and all police and soldiers who risked their lives for our freedom and democracy deserved to receive honor for their heroism. We bestowed upon them the highest regards that the Armed Forces as well as the people can best confer. It is always sad in our part, our deepest condolences to the love ones left by our fallen heroes and brothers in the noble profession of arms.” added General Chan. ###

Top ranking CPP personality nabbed by the Army’s 34IB

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – With the serious and continuous implementation of the government’s Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”, top personality of the Communist Party of the Philippines’s Central Committee fell into the hands of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division in the vicinity of Brgy Bay-ang, San Jorge town in the province of Samar around 10:00 a.m. of February 13, Sunday.

Initial reports that had reached to this headquarters disclosed that a platoon from 34th Infantry Battalion under Second Lieutenant Jacob Madarang was conducting their routine security patrol when they intercepted a certain Ericson Acosta who was about to board a pump boat towards the municipal proper after acting suspiciously.

Lieutenant Madarang said that he (Acosta) gave conflicting and confusing answers to simple and routine questions and later appeared nervous until attempted to draw hand grenade from his pocket.

One soldier immediately grabbed Acosta’s arm and grasped the explosive to preempt more serious occurrence that might follow.

Acosta who is 37 years old was later identified by an informant (identity was personally requested to be withheld for security reasons) and further revealed to be from Cubao, Quezon City and working under the Instruction Bureau of the National Education Department of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s Central Committee.
The informant further revealed that Acosta also masquerades as August Lim in the underground movement. He also said that he (Acosta) was sent by the CPP to facilitate the production of various propaganda materials such as “Ang Bayan” newsletter intended to shoot propaganda to the people. Troops also recovered from Acosta one (1) laptop notebook with complete accessories and spare battery, an external hard drive, Globe tattoo (USB globe broadband), one (1) unit Nokia 3530, 6 pcs SIM cards, a cash amounting to Four Thousand Eight Hundred pesos (P4, 800.00) only and his personal belongings.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s commander assured the public that the rights of Acosta were respected during and after his apprehension.

“Acosta was treated very well by the apprehending troops. As we’ve done so in the past, we assure our people that we will always be observant of human rights. Acosta will be accorded his right to counsel and be given his day in court,” the good general adds.

As of 10:00 a.m. this morning, criminal charges have already been filed against Acosta at RTC Branch 41 – Gandara under criminal case # 11-0501 and he is now in the custody of Gandara Municipal Police Office.

With the capture of alias August Lim, the legal front of the CPP and its allied organizations are expected to stage propaganda activities in order to deny the affiliation of Acosta in their mother organization.

The 8ID remains focus on their mandate to pursue the IPSP Bayanihan for the enormous gain towards peace and development if being stormed with propaganda issues just to free their ally especially that the result is now clear and the people have already embraced its worth. ###

8ID joins nationwide “Ilaw Para Sa Kapayapaan”

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar – The Army’s 8^th Infantry Division joined the whole nation in the simple yet meaningful candle lighting activity dubbed as “Ilaw para sa Kapayapaan”, a nationwide simultaneous lighting of candle in front of 8ID Admin building around 6:30 pm., February 8.

More than two hundred (200) participants from the Civil Society Organizations (CSO), Non Government Organizations (NGO’s), local media, academe, religious and other social sectors joined the officers, soldiers and civilian employees of 8ID in the nationwide call for peace.

In his message, Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s commander said that the event gives hope to the people of Samar and the whole Eastern Visayas region.

He further stressed that the candle’s light symbolizes “Peace” which is long desired by the people of Samar.

“The suffering of our Samareno in this insurgency problems is long enough that needs to be given serious attention. The light gives hope for peace and progressive place to live in with… War is not the solution to all of this, we can win this war by convincing them to be part of us and live a normal life,” General Chan adds.

“We hope that this light (candle light) will surely give us enough hope to fully achieve peace here in Eastern Visayas” General Chan concludes.

Meanwhile, Miss Myra Tambor, the President of Katungod Han Samarena Foundation Inc, who was the event’s guest of honor and speaker, regarded the activity as a very meaningful activity especially that it aims peace to reign.

She said that it is high time for all sectors of our society to join hands for the common interest and attainment of peace in Region 8.

She also encouraged the participants particularly those coming from CSOs and NGOs to give their share and contribution for the ultimate winning of peace.

“May I request everyone to please do not take the candle lights off yet, for it gives us a meaningful light for us to have a continued and burning desire for peace. These lights be our light and hope that someday, peace in Region 8 will surely be attained,” Tambor said.

The activity has concluded bringing the participants new hope for the coming days to come and made them more aware on the present Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” of the government.

The activity is an advocacy initiated by Civil Society Groups and Non Government Organizations (NGOs) supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). ###

Another four (4) high-powered firearms recovered by government troops in Eastern Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar – More and more information on the current activities, whereabouts and terroristic plans of the communist New People’s Army were provided by the people of Eastern Visayas to the troops of 8ID as a result of the latter’s intensified implementation of the IPSP Bayanihan Just this morning at around 7:21, the troops of 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion after receiving an information from the residents of McArthur, Eastern Samar that a group of more or less twenty five (25) fully armed communist terrorist under certain Jovencio Daiz, platoon leader of the Florencio Elairon Command of Eastern Samar Provincial Party Committee (ESPPC) of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) of the CPP/NPA/NDF were seen marauding in the vicinity of Sitio Cagbunot, Barangay Macapagal of same municipality.

Immediately, LTC Hermilo Demafiles, commander of 14IB has dispatched his troops led by 1LT Dariel Dagpin to act on the reported enemy presence. Upon reaching the area, they encountered the said communist terrorists in a firefight that lasted for about thirty (30) minutes and afterwhich the NPAs scampered and withdrew towards different directions leaving behind four (4) M16 armalite rifles that were recovered by the operating troops in the encounter site. There was no reported casualty on the government’s side while undetermined on the communist terrorist’s side.

At around 9:20 a.m., the pursuing troops again encountered the fleeing rebels just few kilometers away from the first encounter site. As of press time, the troops of 14IB are on continuous pursuit operations against the fleeing communist terrorists.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, lauded his troops for accomplishing the mission and for a job well done. He also directed them to press on the pursuit operation to neutralize the fleeing enemy. “The continuing success of our operations in the area of Eastern Samar has kept the communist terrorists on the run. We should therefore continue with the initiative and pursue them so that we could put an end to their terroristic activities against our people”

Gen Chan has again expressed his appreciation to the people who are behind in giving the timely and accurate information to the troops. “I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for the continued support of the people by giving us the information that led to the success of our operation. It only goes to show that the people are already with us in our quest to attain the genuine peace in the area, the good general concludes. ####

87IB hits another NPA camp high powered firearms and war materiel recovered

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Few days after the reported encounter of the Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion, another tactical accomplishment has been achieved by the 8th Infantry Division when 87th Infantry Battalion successfully overran another New People’s Army’s (NPA) camp in the forested part of Brgy Capootan in the town of Las Navas, Northern Samar around 2:30 p.m. yesterday, following a tip from civilian.

Based on the initial report, the troops were on security patrol when an undisclosed civilian who just came from his farmland informed them of the presence of armed men suspected to be NPAs who are frequently seen in the said area.

Said civilian (name withheld for security reason) then led the troops to the area where they chanced upon some 30 armed terrorists under unknown leader that immediately resulted to a firefight. Exchange of fire ensued and lasted for about 20 minutes before the enemy fled away after suffering heavy casualties.

The overrun encampment later found out to have 25 bunkers, two (2) kitchens, two (2) posts and one (1) rest room. Also recovered in the area are one (1) M14 assault rifle, one (1) M16 armalite rifle, one (1) homemade shot gun, seven (7) magazines for M14, assorted medicines, medical apparatus, 20 kilos of rice, three (3) USB, memory card, personal belongings and voluminous subversive documents with significant value. No one was reported hurt on the side of the government.

Earlier, two (2) enemy camps were also recovered by the government in the hinterlands of same municipality.

In Brgy Paco of Las Navas, an abandoned enemy camp captured by the troops of 63IB last January 31 and another enemy encampment was captured by the elements of 3rd Scout Ranger Company in the boundary of Brgys Inaguingayan and San Andres also of same municipality last February 1 both because of the civilian tipster.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s Commander commended the collaborative effort of the civilians to the soldiers.

“As I was always saying, the success of our campaign could not be possible without the support of our people whom we are serving. Troops involved in the feat will surely be recognized and awarded because of their sacrifices. However, I would also like to thank our people for continuously exerting more effort just to contribute with our aspirations. Though we are gaining grounds against the terrorist, I am also saddened to note that somebody’s life has to be sacrificed,” says Major General Chan.

He further said that with the continuous conduct of the Division’s intensified combat operations especially with the unwavering support of the people to thwart the enemy in the area, the terrorists today have no where to hide.

As of press time, the troops continue to pursue the fleeing terrorists to let them face the criminal charges against the peace loving people of Region 8. ###

Former NPA rebel discovers M16 rifle surrenders to authority

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar – After his decision to surrender sometime in 2009, a former NPA rebel surrenders anew one (1) M16 rifle with one (1) magazine containing ten (10) rounds of ammunition around 4:00 pm last January 27 to the elements of the Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion based in Oras, Eastern Samar.

In the report submitted by Lieutenant Colonel Hermilo Demafiles, Commanding Officer of 14IB disclosed that Antonio Burac, known as “Tony” or “Dilon” in the underground movement, 38 years old, married and a resident of Oras, Eastern Samar, who had served the movement for five (5) years initiated an effort to expose some of the arm cache being kept by his former comrades.

According to Tony, he could no longer withstand the violation of the people’s rights being triggered by his former comrades because of the armaments that served as an instrument in their inhumane acts.

He further said that if his former comrades would get hold of the said rifle, it will surely claim another life of an innocent and peace loving people as they used to do especially to those who are against their revolutionary cause.

He and his family promised to support the government’s aspiration to achieve peace and development of the region because he already proved the government’s sincerity when he and his family were given another chance to re-experience the true spirit of democracy and re-build his family in the open that was destroyed by the underground movement.

Tony was a former vice squad leader of Omega Platoon of Section Committee North East (SNE) of the Eastern Samar Provincial Party Committee under Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, commander of the Army in Eastern Visayas expressed his deep satisfaction the way the former rebels act in support of the peace effort in the region. As he commended his troops particularly the 14IB for helping rebuild the families of our former rebels, he further extended his appreciation to the former rebels, not only to Antonio Burac but also to all former rebels who in one way or another help pursue the peace that has long been desired by their fellow Waraynons..

“As I have mentioned in the past, these successes can be attributed to our people. They are the very 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 says.

“As we pursue the communist terrorists who do not want peace to reign, our call for them to surrender bringing along with them their firearms in order to once again live decent and normal lives along with their families still stands,” he adds.

Accordingly, despite the accomplishments gained by the government troops, he is not happy and satisfied to see NPAs getting killed. “There is no happiness and satisfaction derived from killing NPA rebels. The real sense of fulfillment comes in embracing a rebel back to the folds of law and helps him become productive and contented citizen of this country”.

Major General Chan also assured the NPAs who will lay down their arms that they will not be harmed and instead they will be given assistance for them to start a new life, just like what the Burac family is experiencing now. ###

Government troops, seize another firearms from NPA

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – As the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army intensifies its effort in reaching out with other stakeholders in the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” (IPSP-Bayanihan), another tactical accomplishments have been achieved when residents of Barangay Salvacion, Can-avid, Eastern Samar reported the presence of armed New Peoples Army in the said barangay to the troops of 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion.

In a report that reached this headquarters from LTC Hermilo Demafiles, Commanding Officer of 14IB, a platoon from the said unit under Sgt Enreras was dispatched to secure the people from the atrocities that will be perpetrated by the said terrorist group and upon reaching the said barangay, they encountered a group of more or less eight (8) communist terrorists at about 9:00 o’clock today. The said firefight lasted for almost fifteen (15) minutes after which the NPA withdrew towards different directions. No casualty was reported on the government side while undetermined on the NPA side. The troops of 14IB has recovered at the encounter site one (1) caliber 5.56 M16 armalite rifle with one magazine filled with 20 rounds ammunition and one (1) US rifle M1 carbine that were left behind by the withdrawing NPAs.

Meanwhile, at about 2:20 this afternoon troops from 803Bde encountered undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) at vicinity of the boundary of P. Rebadulla of Catubig and Barangay San Jose of Mapanas both of Northern Samar. Firefight lasted for five (5) minutes after which the enemy scampered towards different directions. No casualty was reported on the government side while undetermined on enemy side. Said troops recovered the personnel belongings from the fleeing communist terrorists.

These recent accomplishments by the troops of 8ID could be attributed to the support of the people who are already tired of harassments and giving revolutionary taxes to the communist movement. Their efforts in reporting the presence of the armed NPAs in the area manifests their genuine desire to help in attaining peace in their barangay. In consonance with the IPSP Bayanihan, the people are already aware of their roles in getting rid of this senseless ideology that has stalled the attainment of peace and development of the region for more than four decades now.

The Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army Major General Mario F. Chan, expressed his appreciation for the support of the people and also congratulated the troops for a job well done and for exerting every effort in order to accomplish the mission of protecting the people. “I am happy to note, that as we implement the government’s Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” we gained positive responses from our people. With this, I would like to express my gratitude to the people for their support that leads to these accomplishments. With the timely information, our troops have prevented whatever violent activities and plans of these terrorist groups that may endanger the lives of our people” General Chan added. ###

PSWD: 8ID brings hope to the people

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The Head of the Samar Provincial Social Work and Development (PSWD) Mrs Luz Tacal happily received Mylene dela Cruz, one of the survivors of the New People’s Army’s Matuguinao massacre last year in a simple yet meaningful turn-over ceremony in the headquarters of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, Catbalogan, Samar around 10 a.m., yesterday.

Mrs. Tacal dubbed 8ID to have been bringing hope to the people after saving Mylene’s family and her life in the claws of death brought by the terrorist NPA. She and her family were in the custody of the 8ID as she underwent series of medical operations for several months until finally turned over to the care of PSWD.

It can be recalled that sometime in March 2010 Mylene’s family was mercilessly attacked at Barangay Bag-otan, Matuguinao Samar. She, his husband Jovic and son Joshua had miraculously survived but her left hip was seriously hit by the terrorist bullet. Doming and Junie, father and brother of Jovic respectively died in that tragic event.

Mylene was immediately brought by the government troops to Samar Provincial Hospital for her immediate medication, but because of lack of facilities, she was brought to Camp Lukban Station Hospital. She was then brought to AFP Medical Center or V-Luna hospital for immediate hip prosthesis. The series of operations has incurred an expenses amounting to around P1.3 million pesos that was shouldered by the Philippine Army.

Meanwhile, Colonel Virgilio Espineli, the assistant Division Commander of 8ID said that Mylene was indeed lucky enough for surviving the misfortune in her life. He said that the support extended to her by the Philippine Army is somewhat fulfilling to the mandate of Army’s protection of life and people’s right.

“We want to inform the public especially the local government units that this problem could not be solved by a mere military solution. Necessary cooperation and collaboration is needed to achieve our aspiration to fully develop our province as well as to attain the long and lasting peace for the Samarnon,” Colonel Espineli adds.

The colonel also said that Mylene is a typical example of what our people would be if insurgency will continue to reign as it posses a big threat to our innocent people. The family of Mylene has no arms nor power to defend themselves but still, terrorist NPA did not hesitate to pin them down for just a mere allegation.

Mrs. Tacal further thanked the leadership of 8ID for continuously making coordination to their office especially with regards to the welfare of their constituents. She said that although their agency could not certainly provide the same amount of assistance extended by the 8ID, they will do their best to seek assistance from the city government of Tacloban and to the other agencies or organizations to sustain the needs of Mylene.

“We are very much thankful to the military for the efforts and medical assistance they gave to Mylene. That kind of effort on your part is a genuine manifestation of your will and commitment to serve our people here in Samar,” She says.


Mylene is now re-united with her family, starting anew her life along with her husband Juvic and son Josua, after the trauma that was brought to them by the terrorist NPA. The DSWD 8 will continue to monitor Mylene because after the physical healing of Mylene, the emotional trauma still haunt them where Mrs. Tacal promised to address by letting them undergo counseling sessions to help them recover and move forward to a new life. ###

Civilian tip leads NPA camp discovery, another high powered firearm seized

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Another encampment of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) was discovered by the security forces of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion in the periphery of Brgy McKinley, Catarman town in the province of Northern Samar around 7:40 this morning following a tip from the residents.

Report reaching this headquarters disclosed that troops headed by First Lieutenant Jonathan Sarausas was conducting assessment in the area on the extent of affectation of Monsoon rain when a resident of the mentioned barangay (name withheld for security reasons) approached them and revealed that an enemy encampment is seen few meters away from their location.

Since said civilian is willing to guide them to the identified location, Lieutenant Sarausas considered his report and proceeded in the mentioned area where they discovered an abandoned enemy camp that can accommodate more or less fifty (50) rebels with four (4) bunkers, one (1) bleacher, two (2) guard posts, three (3) comfort rooms, one (1) kitchen and believed to be abandoned for three (3) days. Troops also recovered subversive documents with high intelligence value.

On the other hand, at around 11:55 same morning, upon clearing the area same troops encountered some 30 armed terrorist that believed to be the occupants of the abandoned encampment. It resulted to the seizure of one (1) M16 rifle from the enemy’s possession. No one was reported hurt on both sides.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s chief congratulated his troops for the successful operation. He further expressed his appreciation to the civilian who gave the report for without his concern, the said endeavor would not be successful.

“These achievement is again a showcase of the genuine concern of the people to attain the long deprived peace and development in Region 8. Our people are still optimistic that sooner or later, peace and development in the region will ultimately be achieved. By giving the information on the NPA activities, the government troops can immediately act on it thereby preempting any hostile and terroristic activities that will endanger the lives of the people”, concludes Major General Chan. ###

Scorned Amazon, escapes her rapist comrade submits to authorities

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – After almost four (4) years of living miserably under the inhumanity and brutality of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA), a disgraced Amazon who was almost rape by her comrades eagerly decided to exile herself from the group that he sacrificed and toiled her life by voluntarily submitting herself to the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion in San Jose de Buan of Samar province, 3:00 p.m. of January 15, Saturday.

Reports reaching this headquarters from Lieutenant Colonel William Peňafiel, commanding officer of 34IB disclosed that a certain Jocelyn Gabin known as “Jane” in the underground for four (4) years, 20 years old, single and a local of Brgy Cataydungan of same municipality is one among the numerous rebels who suffered in the hands of their own comrades.

Further, initial custodial debriefing revealed that Jane is a member of Medical team of YAMBI platoon, under Central Front Samar-1 (CFS-1), Samar Provincial Party Committee (SPPC) of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVPC). According to her, hunger, sleepless nights, anxious minds and hardships she experienced from the hands of her comrades are just few among the factors that made her decide to covertly leave the underground. She said that she was not treated well as what was promised to her when she was recruited.

Jane also narrated how she suffered when she was hit by an ulcer and fever that no one paid concern on her condition. She was even forced to work and walk even she could no longer stand the pain and the sting of her body.

She even gnashed her teeth when she recounts the moment when she was attempted to be raped by her comrades. Accordingly, her life was already destroyed by the movement and she could not longer standstill if she will be totally destroyed by his comrades. These further forced her to flee and returned to the safer place away form the evil spell of the people she once trusted her life.

Jane was brought to the headquarters of 34IB complete custodial debriefing then was handed over to her mother Cecilia Gabin with the presence of Brgy Chairman Edusma of Poblacion, Kagawad Ronn Dacles of Brgy Cataydungan and the local folks who served as witnesses.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s commander expressed his admiration to the bravery of Jocelyn for facing the real terror of turning her back away from the underground movement despite her safety is at stake. Major General Chan also said that Jocelyn made a right decision to fully re-experience her freedom in the open without guilt and reservation to the people who really desire peace and prosperity.

Major General Chan once again reiterated his fervent call to the members of the underground movement to lay down their arms and feel the warm embrace of our government’s arm whose concern for his people is genuine.

“As I have told in the past, I am happier to see these people peacefully reaching their arms to the government for the sake of freedom and democracy than through a bloody resort of struggles. After all, we are all Filipinos and our true enemy is the deprivation of our rights, freedom and democracy”.

“While we are busy reaching out to our people who are oppressed by our natural calamities, we as you vanguard in the eastern part of our country assure our people to keep away from harm and danger, either be by the inevitable wrath of nature or the NPAs that sow terror in expense of power. We will continue to intensify our operations both in combat and disaster relief for you to celebrate each day as what is deemed to necessary”, vows General Chan. ###

Tips from civilian, apprehend the arm group

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar – Army troopers from the 52IB of Purog detachment headed by SSg Victor G Raras receives information coming from the civilian on the existing presence of the Armed Group at vicinity Brgy Dinaitan and Purog both of Gandara, Samar this morning.

Report reaching this headquarters from concerned citizen of said barangay, divulged that about 02:00 a.m. this morning troops from Purog detachment led by SSg Raras jumped off said detachment and proceeded to the reported area. Upon arriving thereat, troops encountered unidentified armed group under uncertain leader at about 06:00 a.m. of same day.

Firefight lasted for about five (5) minutes that resulted to the recovery of the following items from the enemy side: one (1) M16A1 bearing serial number #RP168738; five (5) loaded magazines of M16 rifle; seven (7) loaded magazines of M14; two (2) rifle grenades and one (1) body count known as Reynaldo Loberando. Said troops are still in the area and coordination has been established with the local PNP for the legal documentation and disposition of the cadaver.

The success in the campaign against armed groups was basically the result of the enhanced cooperation established between the Army and the civilian populace in the area. The massive information drives conducted by the Army have immensely enlightened the people of Samarnon their roles in our overall peace and development efforts.

Maj. Gen. Mario F Chan, the 8th Infantry Division Chief commended the operating troops of 52nd Infantry Battalion for a job well done of protecting the people, and likewise expressed his gratitude to the people of Samar for their wholehearted support to the intensified security operations. ###