THE military said it has thwarted a plan of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to “terrorize” communities in Camarines Norte following the recovery of five drums of bomb components.
The Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (ID) said civilians reported the location of the items which are used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices, in Barangay Exciban in Labo town, leading to the recovery on July 13.
The bomb components, mostly ammonium nitrate, were unearthed by personnel from the Army’s 16th and 85th infantry battalions and the local PNP.
2nd ID spokesman Lt. Col. Jeffrex Molina said the bomb components also included detonating cords and blasting caps.
In a statement, the 2nd ID said the “timely recovery” of these materials “thwarted the plans of the rebels to terrorize communities in the area.”
Molina said the rebels have been planning to sow terror in the province to project strength. He said the NPA in the province is in disarray and the morale of its troops already low.
Molina declined to elaborate as to the targets of the rebels. “We cannot disclose the specific location to avoid commotion in the area,” he said.
Molina said the standing directive of 2nd ID commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong to all units under the division is to remain “active” in the conduct of security operations in their areas.
Capulong thanked the civilians for providing the information on the location of the bomb components. He said this manifests their trust in the military.
Capulong encouraged the remaining rebels in the area to surrender and avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
