Saturday, March 22, 2014

87IB encounters NPA rebels, recovers one M16 and one NPA body count


Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – 87IB troops encountered NPA rebels at Brgy Canlobo, Pinabacdao, Samar on March 20, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.

Based on the report of the 87th Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based at Brgy Polangi, Calbiga,Samar, troops under the said unit were verifying an information provided by a concerned civilian about the presence of NPA rebels in their barangay when the troops were fired upon by rebels which triggered a 45 minutes fire fight.

The encounter resulted to the recovery one (1) M16 Armalite rifle from one (1) of the slain NPA rebels.  Scores of rebels were also wounded in the said encounter based from the traces of blood along their withdrawal routes and from the accounts of civilians who witnessed the rebels carrying their wounded comrades.

It was reported that the rebels were planning to stage an attack against government forces in connection of the upcoming 45th NPA anniversary on March 29 when troops were able to trace their location. Historically, the NPAs celebrate their anniversary by conducting crimes and atrocities against the Filipino people before, during or after their anniversary to portray an image of strength in order to intimidate and force the people to support their underground movement.

Maj Gen Jet B Velarmino, the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division said: “I congratulate my men for thwarting the planned atrocities of the NPA rebels. On the other hand, I would like to extend the deepest sympathies of 8ID to the family of the NPA rebel that was killed. It is tragic that he took up arms against the Filipino nation when the Filipino people understand that only through peace can development and social justice be attained.”   

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