Troops recover M16 rifles, land mine
ARMY troops recovered two M16 rifles and an anti-personnel mine from a concealed arms cache in Barangay Osmeña, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on 26 October.
Photograph courtesy of philippine army
Government troops recovered two M16 rifles and an anti-personnel mine in Barangay Osmeña, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on 26 October, following information provided by a former member of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee who had surrendered to authorities.
The recovery was part of continuing military efforts to locate weapons and other materials that could be used by armed groups in the region.
The 8th Infantry Division (8ID) said the information provided by the former member helped troops locate the cache and prevent the weapons from being used in future armed activities.
Military officials emphasized the importance of cooperation between security forces and communities in efforts to maintain peace and security.
The recovered anti-personnel mine was of particular concern because such weapons can cause indiscriminate harm to civilians. Anti-personnel mines are prohibited under international humanitarian law and the Ottawa Convention, which bans their use, stockpiling, production and transfer.
Lt. Col. Roger Gobway Jr. encouraged remaining members of armed groups to surrender and take advantage of government programs intended to help them return to their communities.
The 8ID said it would continue working with local communities and other government agencies to prevent the proliferation of firearms and explosives and to support peace and development initiatives in Eastern Visayas.
The military also reiterated its call for individuals who remain involved in armed groups to surrender and pursue a peaceful life through available government reintegration and amnesty programs.