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Army troopers captures big NPA training camp in Abra |
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Tuesday, 23 February 2010 |
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ILOCOS SUR, Philippines -- A large encampment believed to be the lair of New People's Army (NPA) rebels within the vicinity of Barangay Kili, Tubo, Abra was discovered by troops belonging to army's 50th Infantry Battalion, it was reported recently..
The discovery of the said encampment followed after said troops had series of encounters with the NPAs operating in the said area.
In his report to Colonel Essel C. Soriano, Commander of the army's 503rd Brigade based in Lagangilang, Abra; Lt Col Rogelio Migote, the Commander of the army's 50th Infantry Batallion based in Sulvec, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, the said camp was found at least 5 kilometers East of Brgy Kili and was situated along the banks of the creek which makes it difficult for the soldiers and aircrafts to locate.
The camp was also believed to be the training ground of the NPA new recruits since it has thirty one makeshift huts which can accommodate 90 personnel. It has also a dining facility and a classroom where the NPAs hold their trainings.
Migote added that residents of Brgy Kili had helped them in the discovery of the camp as they gave information regarding the frequent activities such as recruitment, foraging and extortion being done by the NPAs to the local populace.
He also said that the presence of the camp may have been the reason why the NPAs laid improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the pathways to delay movements of the government troops.
Meanwhile, another arms cache of the NPAs was pinpointed and recovered by Intelligence Agents with the help of civilians along the forested area of Barangay Buneg, Lacub, Abra.
Colonel Soriano said that hundreds of live ammunitions, weapons accessories, and electrical wires and electronic storage devices were found in the cache.
With these developments, he said that the people are now more cooperative in reporting activities and presence of the local terrorists in their localities.
He also added that "with the momentum and initiative at hand, the AFP will continue neutralizing the members of the local terrorist groups in order to provide a safe environment for local leaders to implement their services and development."
However, the AFP is still open to welcome members of the local terrorist groups to the fold of law who are enlightened and have opted to leave the armed struggle and embrace the real purpose of life. -- PIA |
