NPA bombs, firearms seized in Surigao del Sur

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 9): NPA bombs, firearms seized in Surigao del Sur

BUTUAN CITY – Government security forces seized high powered bombs and firearms allegedly concealed by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the farmland village of San Isidro, in Lianga town, Surigao del Sur, field Army commanders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported Saturday.

File Photo: High-powered firearms  carried by 35 NPA fighters from Northeastern Mindanao who previously surrendered to the government. (Photo courtesy of Mike U. Crismundo)

1Lt Karl Jan S. Devaras, commander of the 41st Civil Military Operations (Magkahiusa) Company said composite troops belonging to the 7th Special Forces Company, Special Operations Command and the “Bayanihan Team” of the Alpha Company of the 7th Infantry (Marauder) Battalion seized several anti-tank cylindrical shaped improvised explosive devices (IEDs), clay more mines with detonating cords and other bomb materials, Springfield Garand and 12 Gauge Shot gun rifles and other war materials, on Wednesday (January 6, 2016).

“These bomb materials and other war materials were discovered after an NPA fighter who surrendered to our operating troops reported that his comrades-in-arms were planning to stage atrocities in targeted areas including government troops in the province using the seized bombs,” claimed Devaras.

He also said that the NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), is also set to conduct atrocities to aspiring politicians who will refuse to give extortion money in a form of permit to campaign (PTC) to the local rebel group.

 

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Rey Pasco, commanding officer of the 4th Civil Military Operations Battalion based at Camp Bancasi said under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the use of landmines and other bomb materials is a serious human rights violation.

“Due to the discovery and recovery of the high powered firearms and IEDs, the planned atrocity of the local NPA group was once again preempted by our government troops in Surigao del Sur,” Col. Pasco added.

On the other hand, Col. Isidro L. Purisima, commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade based in Surigao del Sur condemned the NPA for their continuous fabrication and use of IEDs.

“They (NPAs) clearly disregard the safety and security of civilians, especially the farmers, for concealing firearms and several high explosive devices in an agricultural land which has a nearby community,” he said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-bombs-firearms-seized-in-surigao-del-sur/