BASEY, Samar, Philippines – Government forces uncovered a significant arms cache belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the remote area of Sitio Lanaga, Barangay Canca-iyas, Basey, Samar, early this morning, September 5, 2024.
The discovery was made by the Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion (63IB) as part of their intensified operations aimed at dismantling the remaining NPA forces in the region.
The cache included a .30 Caliber M1 Garand rifle and an Anti-Personnel Mine (APM), which is banned under International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
This find is part of ongoing operations targeting the Bugsok Platoon of the Sub-Regional Committee-SESAME, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), which operates in the area. The 63IB, under the 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IBde) of the 8th Infantry Division, has been leading efforts to weaken the remaining NPA elements in Samar.
Lieutenant Colonel Eduardo I. Meclat Jr., Commander of the 63IB, credited the discovery to vital information provided by surrendered and captured former rebels from the Bugsok Platoon.
He also highlighted the role of the Brigade’s Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families (FReE Families) program, which maintains ongoing contact with the families of active NPA members. This initiative, combined with focused military operations and stakeholder engagement, has been crucial in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Meclat noted that the Bugsok Platoon has been significantly weakened due to the loss and capture of key personnel and the surrender of seven former members. The platoon now consists of only nine fighters scattered across the remote areas of southern Samar.
Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, praised the troops for building trust and cooperation with former NPA members, local government units, and the community, turning them into valuable allies in the pursuit of regional peace.
“Over the past three days, our troops have successfully discovered and seized four high-powered firearms and an anti-personnel mine,” Vestuir said.
“These include an AK-47 and an M16 rifle in Eastern Samar, a Garand rifle and APM in Samar, and another M16 rifle in Leyte.”
Vestuir urged the remaining NPA members in Samar and Leyte to abandon their struggle. “The communities no longer welcome you, but your families are always ready to accept your return,” he said.
He encouraged NPA members to heed the advice of their families and former comrades who have chosen peace and now lead prosperous lives. “The government is committed to helping you find the path to peace,” he added.
The continued recovery of NPA arms caches represents a significant blow to the insurgency, as ongoing military operations further diminish the rebels’ ability to sustain their campaign in the region. | via Samar Chronicle
