Government troops preempted NPAs’ extortion activities

By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
April 23, 2013

BRGY. MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar – The troops of 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army has preempted NPA extortion activities in the areas of Northern Samar after they have successfully driven the armed groups away from the populace in the area.

Through the relentless conduct of massive and sustained combat operations, the government troops has dislodged the presence of armed NPA bandits that was reportedly extorting money from the populace in the hinterland barangays. As a result of combat operations and with the information provided by the people, an abandoned communist terrorist’s camp was discovered by government security forces at Sitio Dakong Sapa, Buenasuerte, Victoria, Northern Samar at around 11:20 in the morning today, April 23, 2013.

Lieutenant Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, in his report to 803rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Rolando Malinao, said his troops were dispatched to track down the reported enemy presence in the area as reported by the residents in the barangay.

According to reports, an undetermined number of armed communist terrorists were roaming in the barangays, to enforce their Permit to Campaign and Permit to Win scheme to political candidates who are campaigning in the interior barangays and collecting money and food stuffs from the residents.

According to LTC Vestuir, the camp was discovered by the operating troops of 20IB led by 2LT Michael Eria. The camp has thirty (30) bunkers that can accommodate more or less sixty (60) communist terrorists, one (1) kitchen, one (1) comfort room, and has been abandoned by the CTs for about two weeks as they evade armed engagement with the operating troops.

Vestuir added that it is already the eight (8) NPA camps that were discovered by 20IB troops in the area of 1st district of Northern Samar for this year.