LEYTE'S ARMY. Soldiers of the 93rd Infantry Battalion based in Kananga, Leyte. On Monday (Sept. 30. 2019), the unit clashed with the New People's Army rebels in Carigara, Leyte leading to the recovery of firearms. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army 93IB)
TACLOBAN CITY -- The Philippine Army has recovered high-powered firearms from the New People’s Army (NPA) after a 10-minute clash with remaining members of the communist terrorist group in an upland Caghalo village in Carigara, Leyte on Monday.
Acting on reports from villagers, government troops intensified their combat operations in the upland areas of Carigara town where remnants of communist terrorist groups were sighted last week.
Lt. Col. Roberto Beatisula, commander of the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion (93IB) said in a statement issued Tuesday there was no casualty on the government side.
Operating troops are still pursuing the NPA members who fled from the site with their wounded comrades.
Soldiers seized an M16 rifle, two M1 Garand rifles, two M1 carbine rifles, an improvised shotgun, a hand grenade, an improvised explosive device, bandolier with magazines for M16 rifles and carbine rifle, and some personal belongings of rebels.
“We have monitored the NPA presence in the area with the help of the populace. This indicates that our people have enough of the NPA’s terrorism and want to have peace in their communities. Their disgust led them to report NPA terrorist presence in their villages,” Beatisula said.
Based in Kananga, Leyte, the military activated the 93IB last year to reinforce military units in the more aggressive fight against communist rebels in the region. The battalion, considered as one of the Army’s elite forces, is composed of well-trained army officers and enlisted military personnel.
The military unit is just one of the 10 new battalions created nationwide as announced by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to augment the existing government forces in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.
Brig. Gen. Lope Dagoy, commander of Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, urged remaining rebels to leave the communist group since they’re not getting support from communities.
“This encounter speaks of the Army's commitment to end the insurgency here in Leyte. These communists have no place in the peace-loving people of Carigara,” Dagoy said.
He asks rebels to heed the call of the communities, lay down their arms and avail of the enhanced comprehensive local integration program of the government or die in combat.
“For those who are wounded due to this encounter, you have a choice, surrender, or die alone. I am sure your comrades have left you as they fled the area. The government is extending its hand for you to return to the folds of the law, it is not too late for you to go back and be with your family,” Dagoy added.
The Communist Party of the Philippines NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union. The communist rebels have been battling government forces for 50 years. The communist rebellion in the Philippines is one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies. (PNA)
