TACLOBAN CITY – The military discovered New People’s Army war materials in the hinterland barangays of Borongan City, Eastern Samar and Basey, Samar on Sunday, August 27.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, 802nd Infantry Battalion commander, said the 78th Infantry Battalion discovered an M16 rifle, two International Humanitarian Law-banned anti-personnel mines, and subversive documents in Barangay Lower San Andres, Borongan City.
The 63rd Infantry Battalion recovered war materials and equipment comprised of a caliber .38 revolver pistol, two improvised shotguns, two steel magazines for M16 rifle, an Epson digital projector, 37 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, medical tools, and assorted medicines in Sitio Bagti, Barangay Mabini, Basey.
Vestuir commended the 78th and 63rd IBs for these accomplishments.
“This is an indication that the people understand and realize the united call of the military and the local government in ending the local communist armed conflict and I reiterate my call to the people of Samar and Eastern Samar provinces to be one with us in our efforts to transform conflict-affected and radicalized communities into conflict-resilient and development-receptive communities that are inhospitable to the communist terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF,” he said.
Lt. Col. Allan Tria, 78th IB commanding officer, said information from residents led to the discovery of the arms cache in Barangay Lower San Andres.
He recalled that members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF) underground mass organizations (UGMOs) in the barangay withdrew support from the communist terrorist group and pledged their allegiance to the government last August 19.
Lt. Col. Lucio Janolino, 63rd IB commanding officer, thanked residents of Sitio Bagti, Barangay Mabini for voluntarily surrendering the war materials and equipment.
“We will continue to intensify the operation against the remaining members of the CTG here in Basey. I am confident that with the cooperation and assistance of all sectors, we will not be far from reaching true peace in our area," Janolino said.