ORMOC CITY, Philippines – On August 27, 2024, military personnel uncovered a cache of International Humanitarian Law (IHL)-banned landmines belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the mountainous village of Brgy Antipolo, Llorente, Eastern Samar.
Troops from the 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB), operating under the 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IBde), were alerted by a concerned civilian to the presence of the NPA landmines. Lieutenant Colonel Joseph D. Bugaoan, Commanding Officer of the 78IB, coordinated a joint operation with the Municipal Police Station of Llorente.
This operation resulted in the seizure of four IHL-banned Anti-Personnel Mines, one rifle grenade, 22 rounds of carbine ammunition, four handheld radios, and other NPA equipment.
Bugaoan stated that the seized munitions belonged to the remnants of Apoy Platoon, Sub Regional Committee-SESAME, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). He attributed the success of the operation to the active involvement of the local community and former rebels from Apoy Platoon.
“I encourage all community members to continue collaborating with the government to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone,” Bugaoan said.
Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, Commander of the 802IBde, praised the joint efforts of the troops and expressed gratitude to the local populace and former rebels for their support in advancing peace initiatives.
“On behalf of the peace-loving citizens, we extend our thanks to the residents of Brgy Antipolo, Llorente, for their collective effort to end the local communist armed conflict,” Vestuir concluded. | Press Release
