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. ###

8ID’s search and rescue on going, unearths missing victim

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – the only thing left out by the successive rains that had caused floods and landslides in some places in Samar and Leyte islands are the mud and dirt the remain unpolished since water level has just subsided after the complete stop of the rain.

The reported five (5) sections of the Taft-Buray road which were swamped by three feet to five feet of water flood yesterday such as Barangay Binaloan, Malinao, San Pablo, Mabuhay and Burak all of Taft, Eastern Samar are now passable as of 6 a.m. today but the Disaster Relief and Rescue Unit (DRRU) of the Army’s 801st Infantry Brigade are still on the alert for any recurrence of the incident.


The Southern Leyte landslides particularly in Purok 4, Brgy Bulod-Bulod in the town of St Bernard remains serious today.

It can be recalled that three (3) innocent minors were buried alive after their households were pressed down by the sliding mud and rocks. Search and rescue operation yesterday resulted to exhumation of two (2) dead bodies identified as Fatima and Rodel Escairal, 5 and 1 year old, respectively and Jordan Laquipon, 3 years old who was reported missing yesterday is now exhumed by the troops of Lieutenant Jerson Palawan of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion early this morning.

Lieutenant Palawan’s report states that other victims who survived the landslide are now in good condition while others are still under medication in the Anahawan Hospital in the same province.

Reports also revealed that while the 19IB troopers were on their way to Balud-balud to assist the localities, they also encountered other minor and major landslides that almost prevent them to pursue. About few seconds from passing Agas-agas Bridge, piece of the mountain height along the road were able to slip on the road. Luckily, they were able to cross forward.

Another mud slip along Brgy Kawayan, Libagon town of same province eventually caused them to stop longer when it totally blocked the access from and to Liloan town. Troops including some commuters aboard buses and other utility vehicles were reportedly stranded.

19IB immediately deployed its troops in coordination with the Provincial Public Works and Highways (PPWH) to provide necessary assistance in the affected area. Troops were able to clear the passage early morning today.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan commended his troops for painstakingly uphold the call of duty. It cannot be denied that some troops are enjoying their holiday vacation but they disregarded their personal comfort and recreation just to answer the call of duty.

“I would like to recognize the duty and service of our troops. Even though some of them are on Yuletide break, they completely disregarded their own personal safety just to answer the call of duty for the affected people. They hurdled and passed other landslide just to reach the most critical area where services are badly needed.” Major General Chan says.

General Chan ordered all the units under his command to continue monitoring their respective areas of operations to assure that every manmade or natural calamities including threat to security and safety of our people will be immediately addressed.

One company of Disaster Response and Rescue Unit (DRRU) is still on standby alert at the 8ID headquarters for quick deployment and immediate response to the calls of eventualities. ###