Landmines recovered by Army troops in Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
June 18, 2012

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  –  The 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army commanded by LTC Dante B Barotilla INF (GSC) PA encountered around 30 NPA members at vicinity Brgy Geparayan, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar yesterday June 17, 2012 around 1:57PM.

Pfc Rolly S Lapitanfrom Geparayan CAFGU Active Auxiliary Patrol Base led the operating troops during the encounter which resulted to the recovery of four (4) landmines, six (6) backpacks, six (6) rolls electrical wires, one (1) ICOM, one (1) binocular and assorted magazine with live ammunitions. No casualties were reported on the government side while undetermined numbers on the enemy side.

The 8ID is continuously conducting Peace and Development Activities (PDA) in Samar to assist the local governments in identifying and addressing the primary needs of the communities. The PDA is in close coordination and collaboration with the Local Government Units, Local Government Agencies, Civic Oriented Groups and other Stakeholders in order to have a peaceful and progressive community. However, the NPA continuously perpetrates terroristic and illegal acts such as landmine operations in order to sow fear among civilian communities and hamper development in the region.

“The Philippine Army is calling civilian communities and all Samareños to denounce all terroristic acts done by the NPA for continuously utilizing landmines against civilian targets and government troops. These landmines not only cause undue harm but also endanger the lives of the civilians living in the area” said BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander, 8ID, PA.