CATBALOGAN CITY — In a recent armed encounter at the remote outskirts of Brgy. Roxas, Catubig, Northern Samar on February 28, 2024, security forces recovered a firearm and a 5-kg anti-personnel mine (APM) banned by international humanitarian law (IHL).
The clash was prompted by reports of extortion activities by insurgents in the area, leading the 20th Infantry “We Lead” Battalion and the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion to initiate Focused Military Operations.
The encounter involved members of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) of the Front Committee-15, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) ARCTIC, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), who have been apparently intimidating and extorting from the local populace and businesses in Northern Samar communities.
The Philippine Army said the NPA retreated during firefight, and the government troops seized war materiel, including one M16A1 rifle, one 5-kg APM, one 30-round magazine, ammunition, wire, backpacks, a blasting cap, and subversive documents. Pursuit operations are ongoing.
Lt. Col. Richard P. Villaflor, Acting Commanding Officer of 20IB, reaffirmed their resolve to render these rebels irrelevant in the 2nd District of Northern Samar, calling for the support of the residents for lasting peace and sustainable development.
“The continuous violations of the Ottawa Convention, International Humanitarian Law, and RA9851 by these CTG members are unacceptable, particularly their production and use of anti-personnel mines endangering civilian lives,” Lt. Col. Villaflor stated.
“We remain committed to eradicating this threat and ensuring the safety and prosperity of Northern Samar,” Lt. Col. Villaflor added.
Mayor Solomon G. Vicencio of Catubig expressed continued support for the Philippine Army in ending local communist armed conflict and insurgency problems in Northern Samar.
“Nananawagan ako sa lahat ng mga kapatid nating naliligaw pa rin ng landas at patuloy na nabibiktima ng maling ideolohiya, panahon na para magbalik-loob kayo sa gobyereno at umuwi kayo sa inyong mga tahanan. Panahon na para itigil ang armadong pakikibaka. Mananatiling bukas ang aming himpilan sa inyong pagbabalik. Sabay-sabay tayo sa pagsusulong nang tunay na kapayapaan at tuluy-tuloy na kaunlaran sa minamahal nating Catubig.”
Major General Camilo Z Ligayo, the Commander of 8ID, commended the successful internal security operations in the region that has been pivotal for several years, “Our campaign in ending the local armed conflict has become a formidable force through cooperation with various local government units in addressing the issues being exploited by the rebels.”
Maj. Gen. Ligayo further urged the rebels to reconsider their pointless ideology and instead follow the law while reuniting with their families and loved ones.
