Army troopers hits NPA extortionists in Eastern Samar

By Cpt. MARIO JOSE M. CHICO, (QMS) PA
March 30, 2007

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  –  A real-time information thru text message, provided by residents of Brgy Maca-anga in Llorente town in Eastern Samar, proved to be the vital factor in the successful combat operations launched by the Army troopers from the 34th Infantry Battalion based in Quinapundan, Eastern Samar.

Acting on the said information, platoon-size troopers led by 1Lt Elbur Ocampo displaced from their camp and proceeded to the reported area where allegedly, a group of five (5) NPA terrorists were extorting foodstuffs from the frightened residents of Brgy Maca-anga.

At about 8:45 a.m. of March 30, 2007, said Army troopers chanced upon the group of armed NPA terrorists at vicinity of Brgy Maca-anga, Llorente, Eastern Samar and a brief firefight ensued. The NPA terrorists scampered away from different directions leaving behind them One (1) M-16 rifle with magazine and ammunitions, One (1) Rifle Grenade, One (1) Ammunition box loaded with assorted cartridges for M-14 and M-16 rifles, seven (7) kgs of rice and One (1) kg of dried fish.

An Army soldier was slightly wounded during the encounter and was immediately given first aid by the trained medical aidman of the platoon.

The encounter occurred a day after the NPA terrorists celebrated their anniversary which was highlighted by rampant summary killings of civilians and unarmed soldiers. Most prominent among these murdered civilians were Mayor Benito Astorga of Daram town and Brgy Cpt Bedasto Gabiana of Dogongan, Jiabong all of Samar. These treacherous killings show their desperation attempt to portray an image of strength but reality reveals that their strength is dwindling down. The very reason why they were no longer capable to conduct large-scale atrocities against the Army soldiers the way they have done in the past.