TACLOBAN CITY– Security forces recovered a cache of explosives and firearms believed to have been concealed by remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote area of Albuera, Leyte, following information provided by a former rebel.
Troops from the 93rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, together with personnel from the Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit 8 of the Philippine National Police, conducted the recovery operation in the hinterlands of Sitio Buak, Barangay Tinag-an.
The operation was based on information provided by a former rebel who disclosed the location of the hidden weapons cache.
Authorities recovered 12 hand grenades, two dismantled M16 rifles with four magazines, and a .45-caliber pistol with a magazine and ammunition.
The recovered hand grenades were subsequently disposed of with the assistance of explosive ordnance disposal personnel from the Philippine Army and the PNP.
Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson, commanding officer of the 93rd Infantry Battalion, credited the former rebel’s cooperation for the successful recovery.
“We are grateful for the help of the former rebel. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the cooperation of the former rebel who has decided to support the government’s peace efforts,” Sayson said.
He added that the disclosure of the weapons’ location demonstrated the former rebel’s commitment to preventing violence and helping protect communities from threats posed by remaining Communist terrorist group elements.
The 8th Infantry Division commended the 93rd Infantry Battalion and the PNP for the operation, saying the recovery and destruction of the war materiel prevented the weapons and explosives from being used in future attacks that could endanger civilians and security forces.
The division said it would continue intelligence-driven operations while strengthening cooperation with communities and other stakeholders and supporting programs aimed at encouraging remaining rebels to surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.
The military said these efforts form part of the government’s continuing campaign to promote lasting peace, security and sustainable development in Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
