By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army warned remaining New People’s Army (NPA) members in Samar province of intensified operations following a recent clash that killed one NPA fighter and captured two others.
Lt. Col. Marvin Inocencio, commander of the Army’s 46th Infantry Battalion (IB), said in a statement Monday that they will maintain their “operational momentum” to end local insurgency in the mountains of Samar province.
“The 46IB remains steadfast and relentless in upholding its mission and operational momentum to put an end to the remnants of the communist terrorist groups who are still corrupting the government’s peace and development efforts for the province of Samar,” Inocencio said.
On Sept. 13, troops of the 46IB clashed with NPA remnants in upland Concepcion village in Paranas, Samar, killing a rebel identified as Gerry Dela Cruz, alias “Justin.”
Soldiers also captured alias “Aye,” political guide of the NPA sub-regional committee, and alias “Tintin,” a member of the NPA regional security force.
Soldiers also seized three M16 rifles, two .45-caliber pistols, three backpacks, three bandoliers, various subversive documents, and other war materiel.
The brief, intense gun battle erupted after heavily armed NPA remnants treacherously attacked soldiers in Concepcion village. No one was hurt on the government side.
The 46IB’s mother unit, the Army’s 801st Infantry Brigade (Bde), commended soldiers for their quick and decisive actions while emphasizing the unit’s dedication to protect communities and eliminate remaining peace spoilers.
“Our resolve in ending the decades of abuses inflicted by the communist terrorist group is true and unyielding, because for too long, they have terrorized the people of Paranas. We will not allow this to continue,” Col. Arlino Sendaydiego, the 801Bde commander, said.
Sendaydiego has urged the remaining rebels in Samar to surrender, as the government is ready to help them rebuild their lives. (PNA)
