ILOILO City – A former New People’s Army (NPA) insurgent tipped government soldiers to the site of an arms cache in Libacao, Aklan.
Troops of the Philippine Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion unearthed weapons cache, believed to be buried for more than a year, in the town’s Barangay Dalagsaan around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1.
Brigadier General Nhel Richard Patricio, commander of the Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, said the soldiers recovered an M16 armalite rifle, ammunition, and magazines.
“The rebel who surrendered last year was the one who told our men about the place where he buried his firearm and ammunition. This former rebel is now enjoying the livelihood program of the government,” Patricio told Panay News.
Meanwhile, Major General Michael Samson, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the recovery of the firearm and ammunition is a positive development in their fight against insurgency.
“This is a good development for us kasi ang mga nag-surrender na rebelde, sila na mismo ang nagtuturo kung saan nila itinago ang kanilang armas,” said Samson./PN
