By Sarwell Meniano

RECOVERED. Some of the firearms recovered by the Philippine Army in the mountains of Hindang, Leyte in this Jan. 12, 2025 photo. The discovery is a result of continuous dialogue and consultations with former rebels in a bid to hunt the remnants of the armed group. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army unearthed over the weekend an arms cache belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the upland village of Mahilum in Hindang, Leyte.

Government troops found the arms cache containing one M60 machine gun, one M16 rifle, and one M14 rifle as part of the intensified operations aimed at dismantling the dwindling NPA forces in the region.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said on Monday the discovery is a result of continuous dialogue and consultations with former rebels in the bid to hunt the remnants of NPA’s Island Committee (IC) Levox, operating in the mountains of Leyte Island.

These former rebels revealed the identities of existing contacts of the remnants of the IC Levox in the areas where they seek refuge as they continue to evade the government operating forces, according to the official.

Vestuir said the continuous cooperation and collaboration of former rebels are vital components of their strategy to achieve lasting peace in the region.

“They are more knowledgeable on the human and physical terrain in the areas they used to hide, and they are the best people that could help us in our efforts to convince their former comrades to join them in the mainstream of our society,” he told the Philippine News Agency.

The official commended the troops for gaining the trust and cooperation of former NPA members, local government units, and the community, transforming them into valuable partners in the pursuit of peace in the region.

“To the government troops, this is a positive sign for the start of the year 2025, as we will continue to dedicate our utmost service to attain peace and development in our area of responsibility,” Vestuir added.

He again urged the remnants of NPAs to heed the call of their former comrades, families, friends, relatives, and loved ones to abandon the armed struggle and grab the opportunity extended by the government. (PNA)