SOLDIERS recover high-powered New People’s Army firearms in Tapaz, Capiz. (Military photo)
ILOILO CITY – Soldiers under the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army recovered five-powered firearms following three encounters with the New People’s Army in Capiz province last week.
Seized were two M14 assault rifles, an M16 assault rifle (5.56mm), an AK-47 assault rifle, and a Garand rifle.
“The seizure of these high-powered firearms further weakens the already dwindling capability of the remnants of the communist terrorist group in Panay Island,” said Major Gen. Samson, 3rd ID commanding general, in a statement on Sunday, Aug. 24.
The gun battles with remnants of the Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) of the Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay (KR-Panay) last Friday occurred in the mountain barangays of Tapaz town.
The first clash occurred around 2 a.m. The 12th Infantry Battalion (IB), 82nd IB, and the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion, were supported by the Philippine Air Force 5th Fighter Wing, 15th Strike Wing, Airlift Wing, and Tactical Operations Group-6.
The second gunfight occurred around 9:27 a.m. The 12th IB engaged 10 NPA rebels in a 20-minute firefight.
The third and last encounter occurred more than seven hours later at 3 p.m.
A soldier was wounded in an encounter and is recovering.