By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – Three high-powered firearms were recovered by troops from the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) and other units under the 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) in an operation conducted in the hinterlands of Barangay Hinapuyan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, on Wednesday.
In a statement on Thursday, 901Bde Acting Brigade Commander Col. Darius Resuello said the three recovered firearms included two M16 rifles and an AK-47 rifle.
The recovery was made possible by information from two former New People’s Army (NPA) combatants who had previously surrendered on separate occasions to the 36IB. The former rebels, identified by their aliases “Rem” and “Jelo”, both belonged to the NPA’s Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Westland under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
“The sincere cooperation of the surrendering former rebels has contributed to the recovery of firearms. They are entitled to receive cash compensation through the Firearms Remuneration component of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government (ECLIP),” Resuello said.
In the same statement, 36IB commander Lt. Col. Joselito Ante called on the remaining NPA rebels in Surigao del Sur to surrender and reunite with their families.
“You still have time to choose peaceful lives with the support of the government through the ECLIP,” Ante said. (PNA)
