NPA arms cache recovered in MisOr

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — New People’s Army guerrillas operating in the hinterlands of Misamis Oriental fled from their stronghold in Balingasag town leaving behind a cache of weapons including Russian-made AK-47 assault rifle, the military reported on Wednesday.

A company of the newly-organized “Balatukan Hunters company” of the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion, under the operational control of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, in report said the group has recovered the rebels arms cache containing a Russian-made AK 47 assault rifle and an Explosive Device buried in the abandoned camp.

The location of the camp was revealed by a member of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community situated in the hinterland of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental town.

“The discovery of the arms is a testament to the collaboration with the IP Community towards attaining peace and development in Misamis Oriental,” the report said.

The said cache was discovered by the newly organized Balatukan Hunters of Charlie Company, 58IB. Currently, these Balatukan Hunters are still onsite for further assessment and conduct security measures.

Last week, New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in the hinterlands of Caraga region surrendered and yielded to Philippine Army’s 26th battalion two high-powered assault rifles and three World War 2 vintage rifles in exchange for cash and livelihood assistance, military reports said.

Lt. Col. Jose Redentor Gilbuela, commander of the Philippine Army’s 26th battalion, in a report, said a regional NPA commander and four regular members from the headquarters of the NPA Revolutionary command surrendered and turned over last week a Russian-made AK-47 assault rifle, US-made Colt M653 Carbine Rifle, two World War II Garand rifles and one M1 Carbine rifle with live ammunition.

The AK-47 was the favorite weapon of Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam war while the Colt M653, also known as “Baby armalite” is a weapon used by US navy seals.

Under the government reconciliation program, the rebels are paid in cash for the firearms they surrender depending on the condition. High-powered assault rifles are paid higher.

The rebels decided to come down from their mountain stronghold to avail of the reconciliation program of the government.