Gov't troopers seize arms, explosives in Batangas clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): Gov't troopers seize arms, explosives in Batangas clash

Government troopers thwarted anew New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during their intensified military operations and recovered two high-powered firearms (HFAs) and an improvised explosive device (IED) in a firefight at Toong, Tuy, Batangas, a military report said Sunday.

According to 1st Lieutenant Xy-Zon Meneses, chief, Public Affairs Office of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division (2ID) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stationed here, combined forces the 1st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) and 730th Combat Group of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) neutralized the insurgents in combat operations which started on Friday.

Meneses said the troopers recovered an AK47 rifle, a Shotgun, and an improvised explosive device (IED) left by the fleeing rebels at the encounter site.

No casualties were reported on the military side but assessments over the weekend continued to determine rebel casualties, the report said.

He said that the military offensives happened three days after their recent encounter in Quezon province where four NPA rebels killed and seven high-powered firearms including two AK47 rifles, four M16 Armalite rifles and an M203 grenade launcher were recovered.

Major General Rhoderick Parayno, 2ID commander has declared to sustain combat operations to achieve peace and development in their area of responsibility.

"The enemies of the government shall expect massive combat operations as we are now more focused in protecting the people from any threat," stressed Parayno.

Parayno also warned terrorists to stop their extortion activities and stop burning equipment.

”We will come after them with all our might if they don't stop derailing development of communities," he challenged.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=971003