RECOVERED FIREARMS. Troops from the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion recover two Garand rifles, a Carbine rifle, and various ammunition in the hinterlands of San Luis, Agusan del Sur, on Jan. 14, 2023. The recovery of firearms was made possible through the information provided by the former rebels. (Photo courtesy of 26IB)
BUTUAN CITY – Through the information offered by former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, government troopers recovered high-powered firearms and ammunition in the hinterlands of Agusan del Sur over the weekend, a military official said Monday.
Lt. Col Sandy Majarocon, the Army’s 26IB commander, lauded the former rebels for leading their troops in Sitio Kinambukadyang, Barangay Binicalan, San Luis town, and successfully recovered the concealed firearms on Saturday.
Recovered from the area were two Garand rifles, a Carbine rifle, and more than 200 pieces of ammunition.
“We are also thankful for the support of the communities that helped our troops and the former rebels recover the high-powered firearms and ammunition,” Majarocon said in a statement.
The 26IB will continue to intensify its initiatives and efforts to secure the residents in far-flung communities from the nefarious activities of the NPA insurgents, he said.
“We are also urging the remaining NPA rebels in the province to lay down their arms and surrender,” he added.
He noted that the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government is designed to help the former rebels change their lives, including their families.
Meanwhile, in a separate report, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) said an NPA squad leader under Guerrilla Front 30 surrendered to policemen in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, on Saturday.
SDSPPO director, Col. Dennis Siruno, said Jerome, 30, also handed over to authorities a 9mm revolver and a rifle grenade. (PNA)
