Elements of the military have once again gained significant victories in its campaign to stamp out Communist insurgency in Samar island.
This, as government troops were able to seize guns, explosives and ammunition following a recent armed encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) members in Barangay Caputoan, Las Navas, Northern Samar.
The Philippine Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade (IB) reported that troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion encountered about 15 suspected NPA members believed to be affiliated with the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
The clash lasted about seven minutes before the armed group withdrew toward the northwest, according to the military.
Authorities were able to recover a K3 light machine gun, an anti-personnel mine, ammunition for 5.56mm and 7.62mm firearms, and various personal belongings allegedly abandoned by the group.
The recovery of the anti-personnel mine raised concerns over the potential danger to civilians, as such weapons can continue to pose serious threats to communities even after hostilities have ceased, the 803rd IB said.
“We will not stop our focused military operations until every remaining CTG (communist terrorist group) member is captured or has surrendered. Our troops will continue to pursue them relentlessly to ensure that communities can live free from fear and violence,” 803rd IB commander Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan said in a statement.
The latest encounter was the fourth reported armed clash in Northern Samar this October, amid intensified security operations targeting remaining armed groups in the province.
In a separate statement, Las Navas Mayor John Philbert Tan renewed his call for members of the armed group to lay down their weapons and return to the fold of the government, assuring them that the local government remains committed to supporting their reintegration into civilian life.
“I reiterate my call to our fellow citizens who are part of the armed movement to lay down your weapons and return to the fold of the government,” Tan said, adding that efforts to persuade them to surrender would continue.
(With report from PNA/OpinYon News Team)
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