AFP denies claims Maute Group weapons, bullets from military stocks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8): AFP denies claims Maute Group weapons, bullets from military stocks

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen Restituto Padilla on Thursday vehemently denied reports that some of the weapons and ammunition being used by the Maute Group in the ongoing battle in Marawi City came from military stocks.

This was after some of the captured guns and crates of ammunition showed markings indicating it came from the Government Arsenal (GA) in Limay, Bataan.

And while stressing that no military units have been found to have selling weapons or bullets to the terrorists, Padilla said that it is very likely that these guns and ammunition could have been looted by the lawless elements during their first hours of their attacks in jail and police installations in Marawi City last May 23.

"Police stations and jail facilities are known to have armories and these installations were among the first to be attacked by the Maute Group terrorists during their initial onslaught. It is very likely that these weapons and bullets (with GA markings) could have been stolen by the terrorists," the AFP spokesperson said in Filipino.

He assured that the public that the military is doing everything possible to ensure that the remaining Maute Group members will no longer get the supplies needed to prolong their resistance.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994242