TACLOBAN CITY –– Improvised bombs and bomb-making components were recovered on Saturday in an alleged rebel camp located in Barangay Mabini, Basey town in Samar.
In a report, the 8th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said some residents in the area provided them information regarding the illegal activities of alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Seized by the 63rd Infantry Battalion and the 12th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police were five bombs, 18 bombshells, wires, steel cutters, and other bomb-making components.
No one was arrested.
Brigadier General Camilo Ligayo, commander of 801st Infantry Brigade, where the Basey-based 63rd IB belongs, thanked the residents of the village for providing them the information.
He also thanked the police for their active participation in the operation.
“I salute the brave people of Mabini for their bravery and concern for the wellbeing of everyone who might fall victim to the barbaric plan of the NPA. The outstanding work of the Army and PNP in thwarting another terroristic act of the NPA is a testament of the trust, confidence, and excellent teamwork of our soldiers and policemen here in Samar that is worth emulating,” Ligayo said in a statement.
Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Alan Orbito, commanding officer of the 63rd IB, said many lives could have been lost had they not seized the items from the supposed rebel camp.
“The plan of the NPA to plant roadside bombs in Samar is not different from the bombs exploded recently in Sulu. They all meant to harm even civilians. These kinds of evil men are the reason why our people in Samar and the whole country are suffering. They will do every possible way to pursue their evil intent even if it harms the innocent,” he said.