Another four (4) high-powered firearms recovered by government troops in Eastern Samar

By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
February 8, 2011

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  –  More and more information on the current activities, whereabouts and terroristic plans of the communist New People’s Army were provided by the people of Eastern Visayas to the troops of 8ID as a result of the latter’s intensified implementation of the IPSP Bayanihan. Just this morning at around 7:21, the troops of 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion after receiving an information from the residents of McArthur, Eastern Samar that a group of more or less twenty five (25) fully armed communist terrorist under certain Jovencio Daiz, platoon leader of the Florencio Elairon Command of Eastern Samar Provincial Party Committee (ESPPC) of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) of the CPP/NPA/NDF were seen marauding in the vicinity of Sitio Cagbunot, Barangay Macapagal of same municipality.

Immediately, LTC Hermilo Demafiles, commander of 14IB has dispatched his troops led by 1LT Dariel Dagpin to act on the reported enemy presence. Upon reaching the area, they encountered the said communist terrorists in a firefight that lasted for about thirty (30) minutes and afterwhich the NPAs scampered and withdrew towards different directions leaving behind four (4) M16 armalite rifles that were recovered by the operating troops in the encounter site. There was no reported casualty on the government’s side while undetermined on the communist terrorist’s side.

At around 9:20 a.m., the pursuing troops again encountered the fleeing rebels just few kilometers away from the first encounter site.  As of press time, the troops of 14IB are on continuous pursuit operations against the fleeing communist terrorists.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, lauded his troops for accomplishing the mission and for a job well done. He also directed them to press on the pursuit operation to neutralize the fleeing enemy.  “The continuing success of our operations in the area of Eastern Samar has kept the communist terrorists on the run. We should therefore continue with the initiative and pursue them so that we could put an end to their terroristic activities against our people.”