Army encounters NPA, recovers assorted firearms

By DPAO, 8ID PA
July 10, 2014

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar – Army troops operating in Northern Samar encountered seven (7) NPA members in an operation conducted at Brgy. Acedillo, Victoria, Northern Samar on the dawn of July 8, 2014.

According to Lt. Col. Arvin R. Lagamon, Commanding Officer of the 63rd Infantry Battalion, the presence of said armed men was reported by a concerned citizen at Brgy. Acedillo.

While approaching said barangay to verify the report however, the government troops were fired upon by suspected NPA member prompting the troops to fire back. A brief firefight ensued afterwhich the rebels immediately withdrew.

The encounter resulted to the recovery of one caliber .38 revolver, one caliber .38 pistol, two home-made 12 gauge shotguns and assorted ammunitions inside a vacated house occupied by the rebels. There was no reported casualty on both sides.

Meanwhile, a certain Ronald Francisco, aka “Gaga” believed to be among the NPA group encountered by the government troops was positively identified by a concerned citizen from the same place. The suspect was arrested and was placed under the custody of Victoria PNP for further investigation. Follow-up operation against the fleeing rebels is ongoing as of press time.

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division lauded his troops for the success of the operation. “I commend the officers and men of the 63IB for the successful operation. I also would like to express my appreciation to the peace-loving citizen of Brgy. Acedillo who reported the NPA presence in their community”.