Catarman, Northern Samar – The 20^th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion, 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Brgy Salvacion, San Isidro, Northern Samar gained a tactical advantage over the Front 2 of the Northern Samar Provincial Party Committee (NSPPC). At about 6:30 a.m. Monday, January 14, 2008, a team of 20IB Scout Platoon led by 2LT ADRIAN PHILIP R PUBLICO (INF) PA while on strike operation at the vicinity of Brgy Patong, Calbayog City apprehended a certain Rovito C Terga, believed to be a CT member and armed with M653 Rifle with two (2) short magazines loaded with ammunitions. He is now under the custody of the unit as appropriate charges are being prepared to be filed against him in court in line with the unit’s legal offensives against the CTs.

In view of his apprehension, LTC CORLETO S VINLUAN JR, Commander, 20IB, is very optimistic that his unit will have more encounters with the CTs belonging to the F2 of the NSPPC. “This just goes to show that the local populace are very active in supporting our anti-insurgency campaign in the Area of Operations. I urge the people to report the presence and terroristic actions of the CPP/NPA in the barangays including their extortion activities in order to effectively neutralize this menace in our society for our people to enjoy the peace and the prospect for economic growth and development that they truly deserved. And to those whose relatives are still active CPP/NPA members, convince them to surrender and return to the folds of the law before it’s too late” he added.