Army discovers NPA war materials, food cache in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 22, 2019): Army discovers NPA war materials, food cache in Surigao Norte

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- Soldiers from 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (30IB) discovered war materials and food cache of the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) on Saturday morning, May 18, 2019 in the mountainous part of Sitio Little Baguio, Barangay Payapag, municipality of Bacuag, this province.

The government troops of 30IB acting upon the revelations of former NPA supporters, discovered two bandolier with six magazines of M16, two magazines of AK47, 15 rounds of 5.56mm ammunitions, 10 rounds of 7.62 ammunition for AK47, 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition, seven rounds of caliber 357 ammunition, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition for M14, one caliber 45 ammunition, nine pieces size D batteries and two backpacks with personal belongings.

The troops also recovered five container gallons filled with approximately 25 kilos of rice each, hidden deep in a small cave in the area.

The concerned informants revealed the CNTs are continuously recruiting residents to join them in taking up arms against the government and become members of Milisyang Bayan (MB).

Among the tasks of MB members are to monitor government movements, provide and act as courier of food, medical supplies and other necessities going to CNT hideouts in the mountains and also task to bear arms and conduct terroristic activities with the CNTs as part of the test of loyalty.

In his statement, 30IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Allen Raymund C. Tomas said the discovery of the materials is a clear manifestation that villagers are already tired and afraid of the CNTs' extortion and exploitation among civilians most especially on forcing them to provide food, money, materials and transporting these supplies to terrorist supply drop-off points. (1LT Ken T. Enciso, CMO-30IB, Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022328