Abandoned NPA camp yields landmines, marijuana
Army troops from the 82nd Infantry Batallion (82IB) recovered three landmines, a bag of dried marijuana leaves, and many other paraphernalia from an abandoned New Peoples Army (NPA) camp in Sitio Tigbasa, Brgy. Tigbanaba, Igbaras, Iloilo last Saturday.
A press release from the spokesperson of the Third Infantry Division (3ID) based in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz disclosed that among the recoveries were: three claymore land mines, assorted firearms ammunition, one shotgun, a bag of dried marijuana leaves and assorted medical supplies, and many other foodstuff and miscellaneous items.
The items were found based on the information given by the local residents of Tigbanaba which was then confirmed by the two rebels, Jose and Rosemarie Gabion, who were earlier arrested by the same army unit on the strength of an arrest warrant issued in Guimbal town.
The information revealed that the NPAs hastily abandoned their camp in Tigbanaba after burying their items in prepared hiding places around their main camp. The 82IB troopers upon receiving the information scoured the area and proceeded to dig in search of the items.
“The discovery of marijuana plants within the abandoned camp and the discovery of dried marijuana leaves among the items buried by the NPA opens up the possibility that they are involved in the local drug trade. In light of this, your Army will coordinate with the PDEA and the PNP on this matter because this is a significant revelation in our internal security operations,” 3ID spokesperson 1Lt Mark Andrew Posadas said in the press release.
The troops also found several cartons of Marlboro brand cigarettes most likely from the Philip Morris van that they torched and looted a few months ago in Igbaras. The Igbaras Philippine National Police confirmed that the car stereo and a set of keys were taken by the NPAs from the Philip Morris van with plate number XFE 949.
An ICOM hand-held radio was also found among the items recovered belonging to 31st DRC taken during an encounter April 5 last year.
“Our most significant find were the three landmines and material to create more IEDs. The NPA continues to blatantly violate the International Humanitarian Law since landmines are banned. These mines will be turned over to the EOD for proper disposition so they will not pose any more danger to anyone,” Posadas said.