Ipil, ZSP – The Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion discovered a New People’s Army (NPA) arms cache and retrieved high and low powered firearms in Sitio Makinaryas, Barangay Bunawan, Godod, Zamboanga del Norte, Monday afternoon, April 27.
The troops responded on the information given by the former rebel, Almadin dela Torre alyas Ariel, who surrendered to 44IB after their clash in Barangay Balagon, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay last April 1.
“The troops were able to retrieve two AK47 assault rifles and one caliber .45 pistol in the arms cache found in Godod,” said LtCol Don Templonuevo, Commanding Officer, 44IB.
“Accordingly, these firearms belonged to the defunct Guerilla Front 13, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC),” he added.
The firearms were brought to Headquarters, 44IB in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay and will be included to the firearms remuneration benefits for Dela Torre.
“These retrieved firearms will be a big blow to the firepower capability of the NPA and will definitely demoralize its members,” said Col Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade, which has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga del Norte.
“In total, the 44IB were able to recover and retrieve three M16 assault rifles, two AK47 assault rifles and one caliber .45 pistol just for this month,” Col. Nicolas added.
Dela Torre and the firearms he surrendered were presented to Major General Generoso “Gene” Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division during his visit to 44IB today, April 28.
“I urged Dela Torre not only to assist us in providing vital information of the NPA’s terroristic plans but also to aide us in encouraging his former comrades to follow his footsteps and return to the folds of law,” MGenPonio said.
“We will provide all necessary assistance and facilitate the enrollment of Dela Torre to the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for his reintegration to the mainstream society,” Ponio added.
Dela Torre is now in the custody and protection of 44IB pending the construction of Zamboanga Sibugay Halfway House.
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https://www.kalinawnews.com/armys-44ib-discovers-npa-arms-cache-in-zamboanga-del-norte/
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