NPA killed, firearms seized in Army drive

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The 4th Infantry Division dealt blow-after-blow against remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA), killing a member in an encounter, and seizing eight high-powered firearms in a series of retrieval operations in the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon.

Maj. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division, in an interview told DAILY TRIBUNE, Tuesday, 29 April, that troops of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, under the operational control of 401st Brigade, discovered, on Monday, 28 April, arms cache in the vicinity of Copper, Purok 5, Barangay San Isidro, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, where they recovered two AK47 rifles and one M653 rifle.

Also, troops of the 75th Infantry Battalion under the 401st Infantry Brigade, discovered an arms cache, consisting of four AK47 rifles with steel magazines and live ammunitions in the vicinity of Tinindakan, Sitio Panukmuan, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, following an information provided by a former rebel, Martinez said.

“The Arms Cache Retrieval Operation were launched after the revelation of three former NPA members who surrendered to the unit,” he said.

Brigadier General Antonio B. Dulnuan Jr., commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, said the invaluable revelations provided by former rebels led to the success in the retrieval operations.

“The FRs’ courage in coming forward and revealing hidden caches has not only weakened the NPA’s firepower, but also played a crucial role in enhancing our efforts to secure peace and development in the region. This is a clear demonstration of how they can contribute to our campaign in bringing brighter future for their communities,” Dulnuan stated.

Meanwhile, troops of the 28th Infantry Battalion figured in an encounter with a group of NPAs, at Sitio Bayawa, Barangay San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon, killing one of their members identified as Joel Balos Dalunhay, a resident of Sitio Linabu, San Luis, seizing one M16 rifle, one rifle grenade, medical supplies, journal notebooks, commercial radio and personal belongings.