LA PAZ, Leyte -- Troops belonging to the 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion seized two anti-personnel mines, a high-powered firearm, and medical kits during an encounter against suspected members of the Communist New People’s Army terrorists (CNTs) here on Tuesday, Dec. 13.
The armed rebels were reported members of Platoon 1, Sub-Region Committee-LEVOX in Brgy. Luneta here, the boundary between La Paz and Macarthur town.
Luneta is about 10 kilometers away from the town proper.
“This security operation is aimed to secure the communities and ensure a peaceful Christmas celebration of the constituents of the Province of Leyte and Southern Leyte,” said Lieutenant Col. Ernesto Dela Rosa, Battalion Commander of the 14 IB.
He said their presence in the said area is an anticipation of the celebration of the 54th anniversary of the Communist Party of Philippines on Dec. 26, where notably before the celebration, the CNTs would conduct an attack against the police and army.
"The recovery of anti-personnel mines and its components is a clear indication of their terroristic plans not only against the security forces but also against innocent civilians in the area," he added.
According to Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, the timely information provided by the residents in the area foiled the CPP-NPA-NDF terroristic plans against the people and the community.
"It is a notable manifestation that the CTGs are no longer welcome and/or acceptable to communities," he said, referring to the La Paz town that has not experienced NPA atrocities in over 10 years.