Army seizes machine gun, explosives from NPAs in AgSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul  18, 2019): Army seizes machine gun, explosives from NPAs in AgSur

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- The operating troops of the 3rd Special Forces 'Arrowhead' Battalion (3SFBn) seized one M60 General-purpose Machine Gun during the recent clash with the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists in the hinterlands of Sitio Tibog, Barangay Mabuhay, this municipality.

As the Army's clearing operations continue on its 10th day, another encounter occurred against 15 NPA terrorists led by Rizaldo Sumunod alias ‘Mansoy’, which resulted to the recovery of one Light Machine Gun, three Cal. 45 pistols, one fragmentation grenade, six fully loaded magazines for M16 rifle, three fully loaded Cal. 45 magazines, 200 live ammunition for M60 machine gun, 260 live ammunition for M16 armalite rifle, 20 live rounds for Cal. 45 pistol, one video camera, one commercial radio, two cellular phones, medical supplies, five backpacks with personal items, subversive documents, demolition set which includes one soldiering iron with lead, two boxes detonating switch, three rubber antennas, one tool set and 50-meter wire.

The troops also seized the terrorists’ hideout which can accommodate up to 20 persons, after the eight-minute firefight.

According to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Joey Baybayan, commanding officer of 3SFBn, the said encounter was the sixth tactical engagement of his operating troops against the NPA terrorists in the area.

"This operation is part of our relentless effort to end the local communist armed conflict in our area of operation. As we gained significant results against these terrorist NPAs, we will continue with our pursuit operations against the fleeing terrorists. With the continuous support of the local residents in the area, I am confident that my troops can find them again and finally pin them down," LTC Baybayan said.

"I am giving them one last chance, surrender now and avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government. You still have your own family waiting for you alive," LTC Baybayan added.

Also, Col. Allan Hambala, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said that the successful security operation of the 3SFBn was a product of the combined efforts with former NPA members, who continuously provided important information about their comrade's hideouts and the tactical proficiency of the operating troops in accomplishing their mission. (3SFBn/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024765