RECOVERED FIREARMS. A total of 10 high-powered firearms and hundreds of assorted ammunition are recovered by troopers of the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) during a recovery operation on Feb. 8-9, 2023 in Madrid town, Surigao del Sur province. Three communist New People’s Army rebels who surrendered to the 36IB earlier revealed the location of the hidden firearms and ammunition. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)
BUTUAN CITY – Ten high-powered firearms, hundreds of assorted ammunition and explosives were recovered following the recent surrender of three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Surigao del Sur province, a military official reported Friday.
“The surrender of the three rebels was the outcome of the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Surigao del Sur,” said Lt. Col. Michael Rey Reuyan, the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) commander.
On Tuesday, the surrenderers identified as Liza Bregonio, Leonard Frank Degumbis, and Mario Suarez voluntarily yielded to the 36IB headquarters in Barangay Puyat, Carmen town.
The three belonged to the weakened NPA Guerilla Front 30, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Westland (SRSDG-WL), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
Suarez is a team leader while Degumbis acted as a political guide, Reuyan said.
Upon their surrender, the trio revealed the location of firearms and ammunition which were buried in the hinterlands of Sitio Lag-it, Barangay Bayogo in Madrid town, Surigao del Sur, the Army official said.
Troops were immediately dispatched Wednesday to the area, where the troops recovered two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, and 612 pieces of ammunition for various rifle calibers.
At least 38 pieces of magazines for AK-47 rifles, seven for M16 rifles, five for Carbine rifles, and four for M14 rifles were also retrieved.
In addition, five parts for M16 and CZ858 rifles were recovered in the area, including four commercial radios, and 11 pieces of batteries for cellular phones.
Explosives consisting of two rifle grenades, five anti-personnel mines, two rolls of wire, and a detonating box were also unearthed at the site.
On Thursday, troops recovered more high-powered firearms that included three AK-47 rifles, two Carbine rifles, an M16 rifle, and a shotgun.
Reuyan urged the three surrenderers to convince their other comrades to abandon the lost cause of the communist organization.
“The government is offering socio-economic programs and livelihood assistance to our former rebels in preparation for their return to their families and communities,” he said. (PNA)
