RECOVERED. Government troops recover on Wednesday (Oct. 14, 2020) an arms cache of the communist New People's Army rebels in an area bordering Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte provinces. The location of the arms cache was revealed to the military by a former NPA combatant. (Photo courtesy of the 102nd Infantry Brigade)
ZAMBOANGA CITY--Government troops have recovered an arms cache of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists in an area bordering Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur provinces, officials said Friday.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the arms cache, consisting of two AK-47 assault rifles, an M16A1 “baby” Armalite rifle, and six magazines for AK-47 ammunition, was recovered after a former rebel revealed its location.
The NPA surrenderer is a member of the Main Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU) of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), Vinluan said.
“Together with local government units and PNP (Philippine National Police) counterparts, we will continue to degrade the capabilities of the Communist Terrorist Group in Zamboanga del Sur province and promote security in the peaceful communities,” he said.
Vinluan said the recovered war materials were placed under the custody of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of Zamboanga del Sur for documentation and safekeeping.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao), lauded the 102nd Infantry Brigade for being "steadfast in downgrading the capabilities of the NPAs in Zamboanga del Sur".
“We call on all peace-loving citizens to continue to support us in all our endeavors most especially in defeating this terrorist group,” Ponio added. (PNA)
