Army overruns 7 NPA camps

But despite the use of IED, the NPA were forced to vacate their encampments and fled towards different directions

CATBALOGAN CITY — The sustained campaign of Philippine Army against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas since the start of August has already resulted in discovery and dismantling of seven rebel camps following nine military encounters.

According to reports from the 8th Infantry Division based in Camp General Vicente Lukban, four armed NPA have been killed from these encounters with the recovery of 14 assorted firearms, 14 backpacks and several magazines and ammunitions.

Army Maj. Bard Caesar Mazo, officer in charge of division public affairs office, said government troops also suffered casualties because of the rebel’s use of improvised explosive devices (IED) which is against the international humanitarian law.

“But despite the use of IED, the NPAs were forced to vacate their encampments and fled towards different directions to save their lives from the pursuing government troops,” Mazo said.

He added that the Army have been relying on information provided by residents who continue to suffer from the extortion and forced collection of foods by the jobless NPA.

“The NPA can run but they cannot hide. Their best option is to return to the folds of the law and use the benefits being offered by the government,” he said.

The government is offering a livelihood and skills development package under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to prepare rebels for reintegration to mainstream society.

THE Philippine Army commemorated the 14th anniversary of the discovery and exhumation of skeletal remains of 67 people believed to have been killed by the New People’s Army in Inopacan, Samar.