SAN MARIANO, Isabela – Government troops discovered over the weekend explosive devices allegedly belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Divisoria, Barangay Dibuluhan, here.
Troops from the 98th Infantry (Masinag) Battalion under the 502nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade were responding to a report from concerned citizens about the presence of the rebels in the area when they discovered a total of 28 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) with blasting caps and detonating cords.
Each IED has an estimated weight of four to five kilos.
The bombs, which can blow up a bridge, were left in the area by the communist rebels, according the military.
Residents of Barangay Dibuluan said the IEDs were supposed to be used against government forces, government flagship projects, and other development projects in the region.
The rebels reportedly fled to the coastal areas due to the intense operations being conducted by the 502nd Infantry Brigade against the insurgents.