ILOILO City – Intelligence-driven operations by the 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) of the Philippine Army led to the discovery and seizure of rebel arms cache in Barangay Acuña, Tapaz, Capiz on Saturday, April 11.
The arms cache contained high-powered firearms and combat supplies, including M16A1 rifle (5.56mm) with a defaced serial number, four 30-round magazines, five 20-round magazines (5.56mm), 215 rounds of 5.56mm ball ammunition, and one bandolier.
Major General Michael Samson, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), stated that the 12IB troopers launched a focused military operation to validate the reports regarding the arms cache.
Samson lauded the troops for the successful seizure, noting that the operation significantly crippled the logistical and combat support systems of rebel remnants. He emphasized that the loss of these assets reduces the group’s capacity to carry out violent actions against government forces and vital installations.
“We commend our troops and the vigilant communities for their collaboration and courage. The seizure of the arms cache is part of our continuing efforts to cripple the rebels’ armed capability and eliminate its remnants, now confined in the mountains of Tapaz. These collective actions brought us closer to total victory against the communist terrorists in Western Visayas and to achieving lasting peace in this region,” said Samson.
The recovered firearms and ammunition are now in the custody of the military for proper documentation and disposition./PN
