MANILA -- As further proof of the demoralization among communists, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it has recovered a total of 269 assorted firearms and 174 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from New People's Army (NPA) memebers from Jan. 1 to March 15 this year.
Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia, AFP public affairs office chief, said focused military operations have a lot to do with the recovery of these assorted weapons and IEDs.
In Eastern Mindanao alone, a total of 174 firearms and 140 IEDs were confiscated from the NPAs and their supporters during the said period.
Meanwhile, the 26th Infantry Battalion seized one 7.62 mm rifle and one AK-47 from a rebel killed in during an encounter in Kalinga last March 12.
While six "PVC" pipe guns, four shotguns, four pistols, IEDs, grenade, and other war materiel were surrendered by four former rebels and five Militia ng Bayan members to 29th Infantry Battalion in Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte last March 12.
Joint AFP-PNP troops seized four M-16 rifles, and two M-14 carbines from the six apprehended NPA members in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental last March 3.
In Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, two high-powered firearms were also surrendered on March 2.
Surrenderers, mostly from the eastern part of Mindanao, brought along their firearms and handed them to authorities.
Garcia said surrenderers receive immediate financial help and enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP for livelihood and other assistance.
Former rebels also receive remuneration for firearms they surrender.
He added that AFP will continue to conduct focused military operations to degrade the armed capability of the communists and further enhance Community Support Program to empower local government units in providing basic services to the people in their communities to encourage more rebels to surrender. (PNA)
