Army seizes NPA camp

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The military here discovered an abandoned New People’s Army camp at sitio Natuyay in Barangay Cod-cod of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Thursday.

Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Cordova, commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said the seized camp was believed to be occupied by the rebels who clashed with the combined forces of the 62nd IB and the 6th Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force last March 18.

Recovered from the encampment, which can accommodate 40 personnel, were a shot gun, ICOM radios, kitchen utensils, ponchos, combat boots, voluminous subversive documents, food and personal belongings.

Cordova said: “We are intensifying our peace and security operations in order to protect the populace and secure their place from lawless elements. The discovery of this camp will surely deprive the NPA of a place to train, consolidate and equip.”

Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, lauded the efforts of the 62nd IB and the PNP SAF in maintaining the peaceful environment in San Carlos City.

Guerrero said. “we reiterate our call for the NPA to lay down their arms peacefully, avail of the programs of the government as they join the mainstream society and live a normal life with their families.”  (FREEMAN)