NPA arms cache radio transceivers discovered by Army

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Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – The commander of First Infantry (Tabak) Division Brigadier General Gerardo F. Barrientos, Jr. commended the troops of the 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion on Friday (August 22) after they discovered an arms cache and two handheld radio transceivers in the tri-boundary of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Misamis Occidental.

Barrientos said this was a result of the good relations between soldiers and the members of the community.

According to Barrientos: "In return fo the delivery of basic services, the community turns away from violence and denounces the presence of the New People's Army [NPA] and it's armaments. This indicates that the community wants peace and development."

Tabak Division Public Affairs Officer Capt. Franco Suelto said that the elements of 53rd Infantry Battalion discovered two serviceable M16 rifles with magazines and ammunitions in an arms cache as well as two handheld radio transceivers located at a forested area in the tri-boundary of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Misamis Occidental around 5 p.m. on Thursday (August 20). 

Suelto said this was made known to the authorities via information given by locals and former NPA rebels who cooperated with the unit and revealed the general location where the weapons were kept.

Along with the radio transceivers and arms, documents of high intelligence value were also recovered.

Barrientos added that the numbers of NPA members and their firearms continue to decrease, saying they their manpower in Western Mindanao has been reduced by around 10 percent and their firearms by 5 percent.

The Tabak Division, in collaboration with local government units in Western Mindanao and Misamis Occidental, is determined to address security concerned in the area in route to development, said Barrientos.

“Our soldiers will continue to protect the people to sustain the gains that we achieved,” The Tabak Chief assured. - 9News Online, from a report by Jong Cadion