LA PAZ, LEYTE – Troops of the 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion seized two anti-personnel mines, a high-powered firearm, and medical kits in an encounter against suspected members of the Communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) here, Tuesday, December 13, 2022.
The armed rebels were reported as members of Platoon 1, Sub-Region Committee-LEVOX in Brgy. Luneta, here, the boundary between La Paz and Macarthur town.
Luneta is about 10 kilometers away from the town proper.
“This security operation conducted is aimed to secure the communities and ensure a peaceful Christmas celebration of the constituents of the provinces of Leyte and Southern Leyte,” Lieutenant Col. Ernesto Dela Rosa, Battalion Commander of the 14 IB said.
He said their presence in the said area is in anticipation of the celebration of the 54th Anniversary of the Communist Party of Philippines on December 26, where notably before the celebration, the CNTs would conduct an attack against the police and army.
“The recovery of anti-personnel mines and its components is a clear indication of their terroristic plans not only against the security forces but also against innocent civilians in the area,” he added.
According to Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, Commander, 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, the timely information provided by the residents in the area foiled the CPP-NPA-NDF terroristic plans against the people and the community. “It is a notable manifestation that the CTGs are no longer welcome and/or acceptable to communities,” he said, wherein the town has not experienced NPA atrocities in over 10 years. By Marie Tonette Marticio (EV Mail December 12-18, 2022 issue)
