8ID rescued a minor NPA regular member

Barangay, Magsaysay, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar – Responding to the reported presence of armed NPA’s collecting food stuffs and conducting extortion activities in the area of San Isidro, Northern Samar, the troops of the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion rescued a minor NPA regular member after a brief encounter last July 2, 2011 at around 7:30 in the morning at arngay Mabuhay,

San Isidro, Northern Samar.

Lieutenant Colonel NOEL A VESTUIR, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, identified the rescued minor as John-John Cuanico y Lebio @ Tom, 17 years old, a regular NPA member belonging to Squad 3, PLTN 1, F1, NSPPC, EVRPC operating in the areas of San Isidro, Bobon, Tinambacan and Oquendo district of Calbayog City. John-John Cuanico was recruited in the underground movement by alyas “Imaw” last 2008 at the age of 14.

The rescue of the said minor came after the government troops discovered the presence of the armed NPAs in the area as a result of information given by the residents of Barangay Mabuhay, San Isidro, Northern Samar. 20IB has dispatched a platoon from Charlie Company under 1LT ADRIAN PHILIP PUBLICO that was tasked to respond to the reported presence of armed NPAs collecting food stuffs, conducting extortion activities and recruiting minors. Upon reaching the said area, the troops encountered the group of alyas “Imaw”. Exchange of fire lasted for about 15 minutes which resulted to the overrun of the NPA camp, the rescue of John-john Cuanico, the recovery of one (1) Cal.45 pistol from his possession, assorted ammunitions, magazine assembly for M14, a back pack, personal belongings, numerous subversive documents of high intelligence value and CPP/NPA propaganda materials.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, Commander of 8th Infantry Division, lauded the troops from 20IB for a job well done and further commended the collaborative effort between the civilians and the soldiers. The general also thanked the people for their continued support and cooperation in the government’s efforts of “Winning the Peace”. General Chan also said: “Through the timely and accurate information tipped by the residents, our troops were able to rescue another minor from the trap of communist ideals and saved his future. The rescue of John-john who is a minor, has indeed proven the gross disrespect by the NPAs on the rights of children”, the general concluded.###