Army encounters NPA rebels, seizes high-powered firearms

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 27, 2014

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar – Troops under 43rd Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army, encountered New People’s Army rebels operating in Samar at around 5:30 p.m. on May 26, 2014 at Brgy. Mahayag, Matuguinao, Samar.

Based on the report of Lt. Col. Glen Jun C. Calambuhay, Commanding officer of 43IB, his troops were conducting security operations at the vicinity of Bgy Mahayag, Matuguinao, Samar when undetermined number of NPA rebels fired upon them.

A firefight ensued afterwhich the rebels withdrew. Two (2) NPA rebels died as a result of the firefight. Likewise, the government troops were able to recover one (1) 5.56 armalite rifle, one (1) 5.56 Baby armalite rifle and one (1) 40mm M203 grenade launcher. The government troops suffered no casualties in the said encounter. Pursuit operation is ongoing as of press time.

Maj General Jet B Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division lauded his troops accomplishment, “I take pride as your commander of your dedication to service which resulted to the accomplishment of your given mission.”

However, he expressed his sympathy to the families and relatives of the NPA rebels who were killed. “It is very tragic that they have taken arms against the Filipino nation when only through peace can development and social justice be attained.”

Further, he stressed, "45 years of armed struggle have not solved any of our problems. Rather, it has caused more problems to our society. I am therefore encouraging NPA members to take advantage of the government's social integration program and other local programs designed to bring back rebel returnees to the mainstream of the society. It will provide you an opportunity to be with your loved ones and community and together we shall solve our problems in a peaceful way."