DAVAO CITY -- Military troops operating in Sarangani province discovered an arms cache buried in an area near Sitio Mahayag, Barangay Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province.
Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Compostela Valley province, on Sunday said the arms cache composed of three AK-47 rifles were recovered by the 73rd Infantry Battalion on Friday after a surrenderer pointed the area to the troops.
Lamosao said the recovered AK-47 rifles have defaced serial number and are believed to be possessed by the Platoon North, Guerilla front 71, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR).
According to Lamosao, Pangalayan Salda alias Lakay, a member of Platoon North, GF 71, FSMR member who surrendered to 73IB with one M-16 rifle on May 15, tipped off the army about the arms cache.
The firearms are now in the custody of 73IB for proper disposition.
“With our intensive security operations and continuous collaboration with our barangay officials, we can gear our efforts towards the attainment of peace in our communities.” said Lt. Col. Marion Ancao, commander of 73IB.
Ancao assured that Lakay and other former rebels will be presented to the LGU of Sarangani for immediate assistance and subsequently enroll them to the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).
They will be provided with livelihood assistance and will also receive additional cash assistance which will help them start a new and peaceful life.
"For those NPAs who are still hiding right now, it is your chance to surrender peacefully, bring down your firearms and avail the government programs intended for you. You deserve to live happily with your family,” said Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, commander of the 1002nd Brigade.
Ancan said the military will continuously conduct intensified security operations and collaboration efforts with stakeholders in Sarangani and other areas to thwart the atrocities planned by the NPAs.
Major Gen. Noel Clement, commander of the 10ID, encouraged members of the NPA to avail of the government's CLIP program and find peaceful solution to their problems and urged them to stop resorting to violence and armed struggle. (PNA)
