Another NPA Camp seized by government troops in Northern Samar

By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
February 4, 2013

BRGY. MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar – A newly abandoned communist terrorist’s temporary camp was recently discovered by government security forces at Barangay Luisita, Victoria, Northern Samar just this morning at around 7:30 in the morning.

Lieutenant Colonel Noel A Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, in his report to 803rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Rolando Malinao, said the camp was seized by the troops of Charlie Company, 20IB led by 1LT Florencio Tayo.

The camp can accommodate more or less fifteen communist terrorists and has just been abandoned by the CTs as they evade armed engagement with the operating troops. The camp has also a strong signal for globe and is near a water source. The camp was discovered after 20IB has launched sustained combat operations in the area of Victoria and San Isidro in response to the reported presence of communist terrorists in the area as tipped-in by the peace-loving residents.

According to LTC Vestuir, persistent reports were monitored regarding the presence of unidentified armed men in the hinterland barangays of Victoria and San Isidro towns collecting food stuffs from the residents. Vestuir added that the group was possibly in the area to enforce their Permit to Campaign (PTC) and Permit to Win (PTW) to some candidates running for local posts during this forthcoming 2013 election.

As can be recalled, another camp was also seized by 20IB last week in Catarman. According to LTC Vestuir, “the continuous discovery of NPA camps was made possible through the support of the residents in the area. Through their information, our troops were able to pinpoint and find the location of their camps that serve as a staging ground for their terroristic activities. The information provided by the populace is a clear indication that enemy revolutionary organization has already alienated the people and the communities where they got their support through their forced extortion activities”.