ILOILO CITY – The Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion seized eight high-powered guns and explosives from the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Bagsakan, Alimodian, Iloilo last Thursday, May 23.
TROOPS recovered guns and bullets from the New People’s Army (NPA) in Iloilo province. (Army 61 IB)
This firearms cache was believed to be owned by the Madya-as Platoon of the dismantled NPA Southern Front Committee.
Recovered were six M16 assault rifles, an M653 assault rifle, magazines for M16, an improvised explosive device (IED), 212 rounds of 5.56 mm ball cartridges, and seven bandoliers.
Troops also discovered guns and ammunition in Barangay Iglilico, San Joaquin town, Iloilo last Tuesday, May 21 – an M16 rifle, two IEDs, six short magazines for the M16 rifle, and 100 bullets.
These were discovered through reliable information provided by former communist fighters which was cited by the 3rd Infantry Division.
"The vital information they provided to our troops, which led to the confiscation of war materiel, is a testament to their willingness to contribute and join our journey toward achieving a peaceful and progressive Panay Island," said Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander.