Army troops in Surigao Norte recover 4 AK-47 rifles

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 9): Army troops in Surigao Norte recover 4 AK-47 rifles

Troops of 30th Infantry “Python” Battalion (30IB) recovered four AK-47 rifles after a clash against more or less 20 members of Sandatahang Platun Pampropaganda 16 (SPP16C) at the vicinity of Brgy Cambuayon, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte at 10:40 a.m., Sunday. 

A platoon from 30IB led by CPT Reynaldo B Guillermo were conducting combat operations when they encountered more or less 20 members of the SPP16C at the vicinity of Brgy Cambuayon, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes afterwhich the enemies scampered towards different directions. This was after persistent reports from the civilian populace that a group of armed men led by a certain aka “X” was harrasing and extorting money from them.

The troops recovered four AK-47s, two hand grenades, one rifle grenade, one handheld radio (yaesu), six bandoliers for AK47, 15 magazines loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition each, four improvised explosive device (IEDs)  and six backpacks containing of personal belongings.

Last week, troops of the 30th infantry Battalion also encountered the SPP16B at Brgy Tagbuyawan, Mainit, Surigao del Norte. The troops recovered one AK-47, one M653 and one M14. Three dead NPA bodies were also recovered. One of them a female IP which was left for dead by her comrades 400 meters from the encounter site.

LTCol Arsenio Sadural, Commanding Officer, 30IB said “Through the various informations we have gathered from the civilian populace and thorough examination of these areas, we have pinpointed their locations and engaged them decisively.”

“We will be launching more combat operations in order to decimate their group,” he added.

Meanwhile, Col Ferdinand Quidilla, Commanding Officer 402nd Infantry Brigade praised the troops for the successful combat operations. “I congratulate the troops of 30th Infantry Battalion for their steadfast and swift victory against the remaining members of Guerilla Front 16 (GF16). This is what we are trained for, to find and crush the NPAs in order to prevent them from harming our fellow Filipinos," said Quedilla.

MGen Ricardo Visays AFP, Commander, 4ID said, “We will ensure that the enemy will get what it wants if they continue to pester the people. There will be no let-up in our combat operations against these NPAs.”

“However for those who are tired of their non-sense ideology and want to return to the folds of the law, bring down your arms and the government is willing to help you start a new beggining,” he added.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1701402290975