TACLOBAN CITY – The 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade continued its call to remaining leaders and members of the New People’s Army in five provinces in Eastern Visayas to lay down their weapons and end the decades-old armed struggle.

802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade emblem. (FB)

"We call on them to abandon the armed struggle and join their families in the mainstream of our society," said Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of 802nd Infantry Brigade, following the NPA’s 55th founding anniversary on March 29.

Vestuir said that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) directed the NPA to mount tactical offensives against them and communities as they celebrate their anniversary.

Government troops foiled their plans to conduct atrocities in Samar following the discovery of the so-called Bihid River bomb cache.

The 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion discovered bomb-making paraphernalia between the boundaries of Barangay Guirang, Basey, Samar and Barangay Del Pilar, Maydolong, Eastern Samar. 

Troops seized 17 blasting caps, a container of ammonium nitrate, moisture absorbent, battery tester, 13 1.5-volt battery box, four boxes of drill thread, eight blasting cords, blue PVC (polyvinyl chloride) threaded cups, and 97 five-inch plastic tubes.

Days prior to the discovery of the bomb components, soldiers received reports that the NPA is planning to conduct heinous activities to commemorate their anniversary.

“There will be no let-up in our operations to thwart the plans of NPA. The bravery of the civilian tipster is worthy of emulation. This only proves that the NPA is no longer welcome in their communities,” Vestuir said. 

"Together, we shall not allow them to terrorize and sow fear to our people and communities. We shall show these terrorists that our communities are already inhospitable to them."

Meanwhile, in Carigara, Leyte, around 60 former rebels and now members of the Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association (IPDWA) conducted a rally last week in support of their quest for peace.

Vestuir disclosed that only remnants are left in Leyte province of the Island Committee Levox, leaving them with no controlled or influenced barangays. "They are now scattered and continue to hide from our troops on the ground," he said.

In southern portion of Samar and Eastern Samar provinces, remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee Sesame are being hunted by the 63^rd IB and 78^th IB, leaving them with no mass base.

The 802nd Brigade operates in Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, and southern portion of Samar and Eastern Samar.