Government troops recovered seven high-powered firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ammunition during separate military operations against suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, the Philippine Army said Saturday.
The recoveries were made as the military continued security operations to preserve the peace gains in Caraga following the region’s declaration under Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS).
According to the Army, the first operation was conducted in Barangay Kolambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, where combined personnel from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion of the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, and the 67th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division recovered six firearms based on intelligence information provided by former rebels.
The seized weapons included two M16 rifles, two AK-47 rifles, one M1 Garand rifle and one homemade shotgun.
In a separate operation in Barangay Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, troops from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, 36th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police recovered one M16 rifle, two anti-personnel improvised explosive devices (IEDs), magazines and ammunition.
Brig. Gen. Benjamin Leander, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the operations highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and the continued cooperation of local communities with government security forces.
He said every firearm recovered reduces the capability of the NPA to carry out attacks and threaten communities.
Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, commended the participating troops and said the latest recoveries support the military’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in Caraga.
Angcao added that despite the region’s Stable Internal Peace and Security status, focused military operations will continue to prevent any resurgence of the NPA and protect the gains achieved through previous security campaigns.
