ARMS CACHE. Government troops discover an arms cache belonging to the communist New People's Army in the Misamis Oriental town of Claveria on Aug. 9, 2020. The Army's 58th Infantry Battalion says a former NPA combatant provided the location of the firearms and hundreds of ammunition. (Photo courtesy 58IB)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--Acting on information provided by a former New People's Army (NPA) rebel, government troops recovered a firearms cache belonging to the communist guerillas in the Misamis Oriental town of Claver last weekend.
In a statement Friday, the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (59IB) said the arms cache discovered on Aug. 9 in a remote area in Barangay Poblacion, Claveria consisted of high-power firearms and hundreds of ammunition.
Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, 58IB commander, said the recovery was made possible after a former NPA rebel divulged the location of the arms cache to authorities.
“This proves that the former rebels are disappointed and tired of the NPA atrocities. Likewise, this indicates that they shifted their support from the CNTs to the government. Now, they want to return and live with their families in a peaceful and harmonious community," Canatoy was quoted as saying.
Further searches in the village also led to the discovery of more ammunition, a high-power firearm, five detonating cords with blasting caps, subversive documents, and medical supplies as well as surgical equipment belonging to the rebels, Canatoy said.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
