Soldiers, police recover war materiel in Camarines Norte encounter
CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal - War materiel were recovered by the soldiers of the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division, 9th Infantry “Spear” Division, and personnel from the Philippine National Police following a clash between the government forces and members of the New People’s Army in Labo, Camarines Norte on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
Troops from the 85th Infantry “Sandiwa” Battalion and 9th Infantry “Sandigan” Battalion together with Labo PNP were conducting focused military operations when they encountered around 10 members of Platun Reymark from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee at Barangay Tigbinan, igniting a 10-minute firefight. No injuries were reported on the state forces while casualties on the rebels’ side are still being verified.
Among the items recovered following the encounter were 3 magazines, 4 Anti-Personnel Mines, 3 makeshift tents, 30 meters of detonating wire, a jungle pack, medical paraphernalia, and personal belongings.
The 2ID Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong in a statement explained that the recovery of war materiel further disrupts the capabilities of the New People’s Army to terrorize communities.
He also urged the few remaining NPAs to abandon armed struggle, heed the call for peace, and take advantage of the government programs put in place to help former rebels begin their new lives with their families.