Abandoned NPA camps found in North Cotabato

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — Soldiers found two large abandoned camps of the New People’s Army in Magpet, North Cotabato where rebels reportedly held captive abducted state security men.

In an emailed statement Thursday, the 19th Infantry Battalion said the first of the two camps, with makeshift shelters that can accommodate for no fewer than a hundred guerrillas, was discovered Monday by soldiers led by 1Lt. Prolen Bonacua.

Bonacua, of the Alpha Company of 19th IB, and his men are now in control of the NPA camp.

Personnel of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion also found on the same day an abandoned NPA enclave in Barangay Don Panaca, Magpet.

Soldiers found combat uniforms, assorted ammunition, food supplies and medical kits in the bunkers of the two NPA camps.

Lt. Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, acting commanding officer of 19th IB, said they are certain the occupants of the two camps relocated far away the week before owing to the continuing anti-NPA operations of military units in upland areas in North Cotabato.

“The NPA in this part of the province has also been weakened dramatically with the recent surrender of guerrillas to the government,” Paraso said in a text message Thursday.

More than 70 NPAs in North Cotabato voluntarily yielded to the 19th and 39th IBs in recent months through the intercession of officers in the two battalions and local executives in North Cotabato's adjoining Magpet, Arakan and President Roxas towns.