BUTUAN CITY – Soldiers recovered high-powered firearms, bullets, and bombs owned by the New People’s Army in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on Thursday, July 10.
“The operation was made possible through intensified intelligence efforts of our ground troops and the unwavering cooperation of former rebels who already return to the fold of the law,” said 401st Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Antonio B. Dulnuan Jr.
“Found were one M60 caliber machine gun, one AK-47 rifle, one AR-18 rifle, 2,500 bullets, five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other bomb-making materials, two M18A1 Claymore mines, two M57 firing devices, one M4 electric blasting cap, and various war materiel that had been previously utilized by a weakened Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC),” Dulnuan said.
Dulnuan said these have been safely transported for proper documentation and disposal in accordance with standard protocols.
He commended troops for their swift and decisive action and thanked former communist guerillas for their cooperation that was instrumental in the success of the operation.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the effectiveness of our sustained intelligence efforts and strengthened community partnerships,” Dulnuan added.
“We salute the former rebels who are now key partners in our shared pursuit of lasting peace by providing critical information that cripples the operational capability of terrorist groups.”
Soldiers in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao region have captured 30 high-powered firearms and neutralized one NPA rebel through various focused military operations as of July 10.