Army discovers 2 NPA camps in Iloilo

Published by DPAO  3^rd INFANTRY (SPEARHEAD) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

(Photo produced by Kawal Pinoy)

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – Troops from the 82^nd Infantry “Bantay-Laya” Battalion, 3^rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army while conducting security operations discovered two (2) New People’s Army (NPA) camps, one in the town of Tubungan and another in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

On February 6, 2015, an abandoned NPA camp which can accommodate around seventy (70) personnel and has twelve (12) bunkers, fifteen (15) posts, two (2) comfort rooms, one (1) classroom and a kitchen was discovered by the Army troops in Sitio Tig-atay, Brgy Igpaho, Tubungan, Iloilo.

While on February 8, 2015, another camp was discovered by the Army troops in Sitio Tigmarabas, Brgy Ongyod, Miag-ao, Iloilo. Said camp can accommodate around fifty (50) personnel and has twenty (20) bunkers, five (5) observation posts, two (2) comfort rooms and one (1) administrative building.

Lt. Col. Enriqueto Deocadez, Jr, Commanding Officer of 82IB said “We acknowledge the vigilance and efforts of the civilian populace of Tubungan and Miag-ao, Iloilo for giving us the information and for always coordinating with us in ensuring the peaceful environment in their community.”

Colonel Eric Uchida, Commander of Amy’s 301^st Brigade said, “The discovery of these NPA camps is a clear manifestation of the NPA’s waning group. They continue to lose their grounds and their mass base of support.

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The people of Iloilo have been denouncing the presence of the NPA that has degenerated into a bandit group that only focuses on extortion,” Uchida added.

Army record shows that in 2014, a total of forty-two (42) NPA camps have been discovered by the troops of the 3^rd Infantry Division in its area of responsibility. Eighteen (18) of which were in Panay and twenty-four (24) were in Negros. 

The 3ID is currently intensifying its peace and development efforts through “Bayanihan” and the focused military operations to ensure the security of the communities against armed threats.

Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Commander of 3ID said, “The Army is in constant coordination and collaboration with the stakeholders in attaining peace and development throughout the region.”

“We continue to reach out and encourage the members of the NPA to abandon the armed struggle, return to the folds of the law and live a normal and peaceful life together with their families,” Guerrero added.