19th IB seals off NPA lairs in Leyte towns

KANANGA, LEYTE, Philippines  — “Not being tactically engaged implies that NPA rebels in Leyte had moved out of their lairs. But we will not stop, until their organization is decimated.”

This was the statement of Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, 19th Infantry Battalion commander, a few hours after the three-day successful combat operation of his troops was terminated the other day.

No firefight occurred but Nacnac said the purpose of the operation was to seal off identified NPA lairs in the hinterlands of Leyte towns to stop them from regaining stronghold in the province.

“That operation was conducted to reinforce the gains of Leyte after being declared Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development Ready province on December 8 last year. It was launched to tell the remaining NPAs that they have no place here in Leyte,” Nacnac said.

Prior to the operation, Nacnac engaged and called the support of the mayors in the area of operation of the 19th IB, adding that with their backing, the battalion can accomplish the mission while winning the peace in Leyte.

Nacnac, in his first day as 19th commander, ordered his troops to respect human rights at all times, especially during combat operations. The “bayanihan” program would continue despite the manageability of the situation in Leyte, he said.

The 19th IB is confronting the remnants of the NPA’s Front Committee-Leyte that operates in the tri-boundaries of Carigara, Jaro and Tunga towns.  (FREEMAN)