Tip-off leads to seizure of NPA firearms, IED in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2022): Tip-off leads to seizure of NPA firearms, IED in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

SEIZED FIREARMS. Four high-powered firearms and an IED owned by the communist NPA rebels are recovered by 29IB troopers in Barangay Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on Wednesday (July 20, 2022). A tip-off from a civilian in the area helped the Army recover the NPA armaments. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

A tip-off from a resident helped the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) recover four high-powered firearms and an improvised explosive device (IED) belonging to the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

Col. Jason Saldua, 29IB commander, said the troops were deployed for a combat operation in the area on July 20 after receiving a report from a civilian on the periodic presence of the NPA insurgents conducting extortion activities.

“Our troops, upon reaching Sitio Inayao, discovered a newly-abandoned encampment of the NPA rebels,” Saldua said in a statement Friday.

The rebels operating in the area belong to Sentro del Grabidad 16, Guerrilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA.

Saldua said the troops were aided by a K9 unit in finding the firearms, which included an AK-47 rifle, a Carbine rifle, an M16 rifle, and a Bushmaster with two magazines.

The troops also seized a 30-meter gauge 22 wire along with the one IED.

“We are extending gratitude to the peace-loving residents of Sitio Inayao,” Saldua said, adding that the continued support of the civilians in the area and the confiscation of the firearms will further weaken the NPA movement.

He also urged the remaining NPA rebels in Jabonga and the rest of Agusan del Norte to surrender.

“The 29IB, together with the local government units through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program will assist and help them to start anew,” Saldua said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front was formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179518