Army troops recover weapons abandoned by NPA at Bulacan-Rizal boundary

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20, 2024): Army troops recover weapons abandoned by NPA at Bulacan-Rizal boundary (By Zen Trinidad)

LOST CAUSE. The weapons recovered by elements of the Philippine Army's 80th Infantry Batallion (80IB) after being abandoned by fleeing communist terrorists at the boundary of Bulacan and Rizal provinces on Wednesday (June 19, 2024). The military learned of the terrorists' presence from concerned citizens. (Photo courtesy of the 80IB, Philippine Army)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – Troops from the 80th Infantry Battalion (80IB) seized a cache of weapons while pursuing a group of communist rebels in San Jose Del Monte City in Bulacan, near the boundary with Rizal province, the Philippine Army reported on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Mark Antony Ruby, commander of the 80IB, told reporters that the operation, which was carried out on Wednesday, was prompted by reports from concerned citizens regarding armed elements associated with the Komiteng Larangan Gerilya (KLG) Narciso.

He said this armed group is a local faction of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), operating along the Bulacan-Rizal boundary.

Personnel from the 80IB, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), uncovered and confiscated one M16 rifle and one shotgun with corresponding ammunition, as well as a hand grenade, and subversive documents.

Ruby said the weapons were abandoned by fleeing members of the terrorist group "upon realizing that they stood no chance against the government's overwhelming force."

"This event highlights the true nature of the armed NPA, who bring trouble, extortion, and deception to our fellow countrymen in rural areas," he said.

He expressed gratitude to residents for their cooperation that contributed to the successful operation and took deadly weapons away from the terrorists.

"Local communities are urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities, particularly related to NPA remnants, to the authorities," Ruby said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227332