LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army unearthed a New People’s Army (NPA) arms cache in a forested area in Ragay, Camarines Sur on Monday, Oct. 25.
Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-5 spokesperson, said recovered were four M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, 16 cans of improvised explosive device (IED), detonation wire, three long magazine for M16 rifle, 160 bullets for a caliber 5.56 A2 M16 rifle, one buffer tube with spring for A2 M16 rifle, and one piece unserviceable handheld radio.
"This is the result of the extensive intelligence driven operations of Camarines Sur 1st PMFC, together with the troops of 81IB, 7ID, PA, 95th MICO, 9MIB, 9ID, 9SAB, SAF, PIU CSPPO, and Ragay MPS," she said.
The recovered firearms were turned over to the Camarines Sur Provincial Forensic Unit for ballistic examination and comparison with existing ballistics records available while the IEDs will be placed in the custody of the Camarines Sur PECU for proper disposition, Calubaquib added.
PNP-Bicol director Brig. Gen Rudolph Dimas said that the discovery of the arms cache will surely impede future plans to disrupt peace and order in the region.
“Rest assured that we will continue our operations to dismantle their camp ground and end their armed movements. Towards this end we steadily commit in protecting the Bicolano from the offensive acts of these lawless elements,” Dimas said.