ANTI-NPA DRIVE. Lt. Col. Oliver Alvior, the Philippine Army's 78th Infantry Batallion Commander, lauds on Thursday (Sept. 10, 2020) the contractors for providing vital information that stalled extortion attempts by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Samar. He said that people's cooperation, especially the contractors, are vital in ensuring security in the area. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army (PA) has lauded the public including contractors for providing vital information that stalled extortion attempts by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Samar.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion (IB) said information from contractors has led to a five-minute clash between government troops and the communist terrorist group on Monday in the upland villages of Tandang Sora and Magsaysay in Gen. MacArthur, Eastern Samar.
No casualty was reported on the government side while pursuit operation is being conducted against the 20 fleeing terrorists, who have been in the area to conduct extortion activities.
"The foiling of the extortion attempt was a result of the cooperation and information coming from some contractors who have been the constant victims of NPA extortion scheme and who pledged to stop giving in to the extortion demands of the terrorists," said 78th IB commander Lt. Col. Oliver Alvior.
"The collaboration and unity of the people especially the contractors are critical and that their efforts will translate to collective protection," the official added.
Contractors with projects in Eastern Samar participated in a Security Summit on August 14 in Borongan City. The event solicited their commitment to help fight insurgency.
"Previous incidents showed that the armed rebels engaged in the destruction of civilian-owned properties not involved in armed conflict to derail infrastructure project implementations and force their extortion activities," he added.
On August 8, the NPA burned a backhoe intended for a farm-to-market road project in Sta. Fe village in Gen. MacArthur town.
"The concerted effort of various organizations is the key to stopping the extortion scheme of the NPA. A broad united effort against their nefarious activities will impact their resource generation schemes which is the lifeblood of their terroristic acts. If we remain united, the NPA cannot pick us one by one and the result of operations will be successful such as this one,” Alvior said.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
