TACLOBAN CITY – Government forces recovered several firearms and ammunition in Eastern Samar and Leyte provinces last week, following the surrender of two New People’s Army (NPA) members.
According to reports from the 802nd Brigade and the 8th Infantry Division (8ID), the recoveries took place in two separate operations.
On October 3, firearms were retrieved in MacArthur, Eastern Samar, after two NPA members surrendered to the authorities.
Another recovery operation was conducted in Kananga, Leyte, on October 4.
The Division Public Affairs Office of the 8ID confirmed that the recovery in Eastern Samar was made possible through information provided by two former rebels, namely, alias ‘Jacobe’, a vice squad leader, and alias ‘Aquilla’, both former members of the Apoy Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
The two recently surrendered to government forces.
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Brigade, praised the troops for their successful negotiation and professionalism in facilitating the surrender.
“Two lives have been saved from the grip of a dead ideology. It’s only a matter of time before all members of SRC Sesame will be neutralized. The success of this operation is due to the relentless efforts of the 802Bde in conducting comprehensive debriefings with former rebels and implementing initiatives like the E-FReE Families program and Project APOY,” Vestuir stated.
The Enhanced Friends Rescued Engagement through Families (E-FReE) program is a military initiative designed to empower the families of active NPA members to encourage their loved ones to surrender and seek assistance from the military and local government.
During the operation in MacArthur, Eastern Samar, government forces recovered the following firearms: two M16 rifles, two M14 rifles, one .30 caliber Springfield rifle, and one AK-47 rifle.
In Kananga, Leyte, troops were able to recover firearms and ammunition hidden by NPA members in Barangay Rizal, based on a tip regarding the location of the weapons. The recovered items included M16 rifles, a .30 caliber M1 Garand rifle, a K-9 pistol, and several rounds of ammunition.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Perfecto Peñaredondo, acting commander of the 8ID, reiterated his call for remaining NPA members to surrender and take advantage of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“These successes are the results of the collective efforts of our ground troops, with strong support from our local chief executives and an awakened citizenry. Our collaborative actions aim to finally put an end to the decades-long insurgency in Eastern Visayas. Our efforts are becoming more effective and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people,” he added.
ROEL T. AMAZONA
