TACLOBAN CITY –– A rebel camp in San Jose de Buan town, Samar was seized by government forces following a firefight on Wednesday, July 29.
In a statement, the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, based in Catbalogan City, said around 50 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) that camped out in the area fled to avoid getting killed.
The soldiers engaged the rebels in a firefight for almost four hours that started at 1:30 p.m.
The army said the rebel’s camp, which has 34 huts and a kitchen, could accommodate 100 individuals.
Recovered from the site were five M-16 assault rifles, hundreds of assorted ammunition, a generator set, electronic gadgets, food, medicines, medical paraphernalia, and anti-government documents.
No soldier was wounded during the skirmish, but authorities believed that many NPA rebels were wounded.
Brigadier General Camilo Ligayo, the 801st Brigade commander, acknowledged the help of the village residents in their fight against the rebels.
“While the NPA continues to harass and abuse people, our soldiers will be more active in serving the masses. We thank the people and local officials of San Jose de Buan for renewing their support to our legitimate government and denying sanctuary to the NPA,” he said.