MANILA, Philippines - The members of the Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion seized on Monday a camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) following an encounter in Las Navas, Northern Samar.
Capt. Gene Orense, spokesman for the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the rebel camp has 22 makeshift bunkers, a mess hall and a kitchen. Soldiers also seized two M16 rifles with live ammunition and subversive documents.
Orense said at least 30 NPA camps have been captured in Samar Island.“These NPA camps can accommodate a total of 30-40 persons each,” he said.
Lt. Col. Arvin Lagamon, commander of the 63rd Battalion, said they would continue conducting patrol operations to ensure the safety of communities in the area.
“We are looking forward that this encounter will pressure the NPA to abandon their armed struggle,” Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug, chief of the Army’s 8th ID, said.