By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – Troops from the 30th Infantry Battalion under the command of the 401st Infantry Brigade recovered four high-powered firearms, ammunition and other personal items concealed by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in an operation Friday in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
In a statement Saturday, 401Bde acting commander, Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, said the recovered firearms were found in the hinterlands of Sitio Comarobcob, Barangay Carromata, including three M16A1 rifles, a Colt M4 rifle, and 173 rounds of ammunition with magazines, bandoliers, backpacks and other personal items.
“The unearthed firearms and ammunition were concealed by the remnants of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA,” Aynera said.
The recovery of the firearms and ammunition will further weaken the capability of the remaining combatants of SRSDG Westland in the area, he said.
“The additional discovery of an arms cache reflects the continuing success of focused military operations against terrorist groups,” Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said.
On March 11, troops from the 30IB also recovered an R4 rifle, several rounds of ammunition, magazines, and personal belongings of the same group of NPA rebels in the hinterlands of Sitio Lago, Barangay Carromata.
“We continue our call to the remaining members of the communist terrorist group in the area to surrender. We assure them that the government remains ready to assist them and start a peaceful life with their families and communities,” Anayron said. (PNA)
