TACLOBAN CITY – A member of the New People's Army (NPA) has disclosed an encampment used for making explosives and other improvised explosive devices (IED) in an upstream village in Ormoc City.
Alias "Saag," a member of the communist-terrorist group operating in Leyte under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), disclosed the bomb-making factory when he surrendered to the 14th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Palale, MacArthur, Leyte last Monday.
He turned over an M14 loaded with ammunition to the authorities.
Brig. Gen. Zosimo Oliveros, commander of the Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade, said his surrender and seizure of bomb-making materials are a good indication that numerous members of the communist-terrorist group have been enlightened and are now returning to the fold of the law.
"Although his return to the government is considered as a victory, we should still continue to be vigilant and alert, especially the factory of such explosives is just near to the community that can cause danger to us,” Oliveros warned.
Oliveros noted that making bombs is proof of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA's violation of International Humanitarian Law and its violent way to carry out their bad intentions.
He further explained that the encampment is an indication that the NPA terrorists do not cease in rebuilding their base masses in Leyte. Saag shared that he realized that he has committed a grave mistake in joining the CPP-NPA, which has not brought him any good.
He added that he has caused danger to the lives of his fellow Filipinos by being a member of the group.