Gun parts, Makabayan posters found in NPA stash in Sarangani

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Government troops recovered firearms parts, campaign materials of militant party-list groups, and several other supplies reportedly stashed by New People's Army (NPA) rebels in a remote village in Malapatan town, Sarangani province.

1Lt. Gerry Mabborang, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 73rd Infantry Battalion, said in a report on Monday that the supplies and campaign materials were found buried at a portion of Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Upper Suyan in Malapatan last Friday.

Mabborang said the recovery was based on information from a former member of the NPA's Front 71, identified as alias "Ka Jong-jong", who voluntarily surrendered last May 4.

Mabborang said the returnee reported that their unit buried various medical paraphernalia, parts of firearms, assorted ammunition and campaign posters of party-list groups under the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives.

"Our troops found the same items at the exact spot reported by the returnee," the military official said.

Among those found were stethoscopes, first-aid kits, medical supplies, ammunition for high- and low-powered firearms, rifle grenade as well as assorted parts of handguns and rifles.

The campaign materials comprised of posters of party-list groups Bayan Muna, ACT Teachers, Gabriela, Kabataan, and Anakpawis.

"It is a clear manifestation that these partylist groups are affiliated with the NPA," Mabborang said.

The United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA as a terrorist organization.

Mabborang added that their unit is currently considering the filing of charges against the Makabayan partylist groups. (PNA)