Northern Samar camp discovery stops potential rebel attacks - Army official

TACLOBAN CITY, April 12 (PNA) -– The recent discovery of a communist rebel’s camp in Northern Samar will prevent the New People’s Army (NPA) from possibly launching attacks, a Philippine Army official said.

Lt. Col. Hilarion Palma, commanding officer of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, said they’re able to recover improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a rebel’s camp in Catoto-ogan village, Las Navas, Northern Samar on April 6.

“It started when a platoon of soldiers discovered some unarmed rebels planting landmines along a pathway in Catoto-ogan. When we chased them, we discovered a new settlement established just two weeks ago,” Palma told PNA in a mobile phone interview.

Nobody from the government was hurt during the 40-minute fire fight. The Army has yet to find out the number of fatalities on the rebel’s side.

The camp has a kitchen, toilet, and 10 posts that can accommodate up to 50 rebels, according to Palma.

Recovered from the enemy camp are 10 bunkers, four observation posts, one IED made of PVC pipe with 10” diameter and height, five blasting caps, one nine volts battery, one battery case, 12 empty shells of AK47 rifle, 20 empty shells of M16 rifle, personal belongings and foodstuff.

The NPA settlement was seized by 81st Reconnaissance Company under the supervision of 20th Infantry Battalion led by 2nd Lt. Jojo Consorte.

“This is clear that the NPAs repeatedly violated the prohibition or restriction of using anti-personnel mine as stated in the Ottawa treaty and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, jeopardizing the safety of innocent and defenseless civilians, specially the children,” Palma said in statement sent to the media Tuesday morning.

The soldiers patrolled the area as locals reported of sightings of armed rebels nearby. “Some rebels were even extorting locals especially now that it’s rice harvest season.”

The battalion have been conducting dialogues with locals of nearby villages to ensure the safety and security of the populace and for the peaceful resolve of the conflict. (PNA)
FFC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO