MORE NPA CAMPS DISCOVERED IN SAMAR AND LEYTE

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City –  Four (4) more NPA camps were discovered by the 8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8ID), Philippine Army (PA) troops in different locations in Samar and Leyte.

            In an earlier report, the Army stated that from January to date five (5) NPA camps were seized after an encounter, while more or less 40 abandoned NPA camps were discovered in Samar and Leyte Island, which indicates that the rebels are always on the run to avoid pursuing government troops.

On May 19, 2012 composite troops coming from 81^st Division Reconnaissance Company and Cafgu Active Auxiliary from Bravo Company, 52^nd IB led by 1Lt Michael N Madayag recovered another rebel encampment at vicinity Brgy Gecboan, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar which can accommodate 70 people. On May 22, 2012, elements of Charlie Company, 78^th Infantry Battalion, 8ID, PA under 2Lt Mojahiden C Guimadel also discovered an abandoned rebel encampment at vicinity Jaro – Ormoc boundary which can contain 20 rebels. In addition, the latest recovered camp by the government troops happened on May 21, 2012 by the elements of Bravo Company, 19^th Infantry Battalion under 2Lt Frederick Julius Mariano Dela Cruz at vicinity Sitio Kanbalantaw, Brgy Canhandugan, Jaro, Leyte which can accommodate 30 NPAs. Further, on May 29, 2012 elements of 87^th IB under 2Lt Verniel D Semblante recovered enemy encampment at vicinity Brgy Caulayan, Motiong, Samar which can contain around 20 terrorist NPA members.

The camps are being utilized by the NPA as staging areas for their terroristic acts such as land mine production which is a clear violation on Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

             In his statement, BGen Gerardo T Layug, Commander, 8ID, PA said that the Army will continuously conduct focused military operations in the identified lairs of the NPA in order to establish a peaceful environment and allow development to come-in, especially in the remote areas. “As our military operations continue, I instructed my men to strictly follow the Rule of Law and put the safety our people as the primary consideration,” Layug said. Layug also reiterated his call for the NPA members to lay down their arms and join the government in finding a peaceful solution to the insurgency problem in the region.