The military forces in Basilan province on Tuesday presented high-powered weapons and ammunitions seized during a combat clearing operation in Barangay Ulitan, Ungkaya Pukan town.
The Philippine Army's 18th Infantry Battalion under the Western Mindanao command recovered link for .50 caliber heavy machine gun, two rounds of .50 caliber HMG ammunition, one trigger mechanism for an M14 rifle, one handguard, one M14 lower receiver, Bushnell scope, one commercial radio, dental/medical tools, four bandoliers and assorted ammunition on 25 September.
Another operation has been conducted on the same day in the same area by the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion, resulting in the recovery of one short magazine for an M16 rifle, two bandoliers, three rounds of .50 caliber HMG ammunition, and two rounds of 40mm Cartridge High Explosive for M203 Grenade Launcher.
On 26 September , the 18IB troopers continued the combat clearing operations in the Barangay Ulitan led to the recovery of a rocket-propelled grenade while the 12th Division Reconnaissance Company recovered one improvised shotgun and one pouch in the same barangay.
Soldiers under the 4th Special Forces Battalion likewise recovered one .50 caliber HMG without barrel, 31 rounds of .50 caliber HMG ammunition, 51 rounds of .50 caliber HMG linked ammunition and one bandolier.
Joint Task Force Basilan commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway said the operating troops will continue to scour the area to ensure that all war materiels are recovered and safely kept by the authorities.
WesMinCom commander Lt. Gen Alfredo Rosario Jr., meantime, said the recovery of high-powered firearms and ammunitions will keep the province safe from hostilities.
