8 guns seized, 2 rebels yield in Negros, Panay

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 17): 8 guns seized, 2 rebels yield in Negros, Panay

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division yesterday reported the recovery of eight firearms in Negros and Panay islands, while two self-confessed members of the New People’s Army abandoned the armed struggle, in one week’s time.

Lt. Col. Rey Tiongson, 3ID Public Affairs Office chief, said that troopers of the 11th Infantry Battalion recovered two M-16 assault rifles hidden by the NPA in Sitio Cabadiangan, Barangay Pantiao in Manjuyod town, Negros Oriental.

 

Tiongson said the recovery of the high-powered firearms by 11IB troopers, who were conducting security operations, was made, after they were informed by residents of the barangay of their location.

On the same day, troopers of the 61st Infantry Battalion also recovered an M1 Garand rifle and a sniper scope in Sitio Tigbauaun, Brgy. Trangka in Maasin, Iloilo, and four homemade shotguns and a hand grenade in Sitio Inaman, also of the barangay, on Tuesday.

 

Tiongson said the recovery of firearms in Maasin, Iloilo was the result of follow-up operations in pursuit of the lawless group NPA that were encountered by government forces March 9 in the area.

He also reported the surrender of alias Jessa and alias Karding, whose identities were being withheld for security reasons, on March 14 and 15.

 

Tiongson said Karding surrendered an M1 Garand rifle with 23 ammunition.

He added that the two former rebels may avail of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Under CLIP, Tiongson said the beneficiaries will receive P15,000 financial assistance and P50,000 worth of livelihood assistance each, to start a livelihood project which will be monitored regularly by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and other concerned agencies.

 He added that Karding will also receive remuneration for the firearm he had surrendered.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/March/17/negor1.htm