Army captures another NPA camp in Isabela

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela - Government troops from the Philippine Army’s 95th Infantry Battalion (IB) captured a New People’s Army (NPA) camp following an encounter in Barangay San Miguel in Echague, Isabela on Tuesday.

Captain Jefferson M. Somera, spokesperson of the 5th Infantry Division, on Wednesday said the military seized control of the camp, which was guarded by around 20 NPA rebels, after a two-hour firefight.

The 86th IB last Saturday likewise seized control of another NPA camp in Barangay Santo Domingo in Jones, Isabela.

“No casualty on the government side while the enemy is believed to have sustained casualties, but managed to be hauled by their fleeing comrades,” Somera said.

During the clearing operations, Somera said the troops recovered five M-16 rifles, various ammunition and explosives, a handheld radio, chainsaw, seven backpacks with personal belongings, two cell phones, assorted medicines, medical items and documents.

According to Lt. Col. Nolito A. Quemi, 95th IB commander, his troops received information that an NPA camp is near their location.

“Our troops were approaching the target area when fired upon. We managed to outflank them and eventually overrun their encampment; they might carry their wounded comrades when they retreat, but they will not go far; we expect to recover bodies as we continue our operations,” said Quemi.

Brigadier General Bartolome Vicente R Bacarro Jr., the commander of the army’s 502nd Infantry Brigade who supervised the operations, said “the information leading to the successful operations came from the people where the teams of Community Support Program (CSP) are being deployed.”

“The people tipped the location because they were already tired with the presence of the rebels in their barangay. We appreciate their courage and support,” Bacarro added.

Meanwhile, Major General Perfecto M. Rimando Jr, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, commended the 95th IB for the successful operation.

“I commend the professionalism displayed by the troops of the 95th IB leading to the encounter,” said Rimando Jr.