Posted to AFP Radio DWDD (May 23, 2022): Rebels suffer Setback in Bukidnon; Government Troops Recover Firearms
MAWAB, Davao De Oro – The 10th Infantry “Agila” Division unearthed an arms cache that contains six (6) high-powered firearms and war materiel at Brgy Sinaysayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on May 20, 2022.Two (2) M16A1 rifles, two (2) M4 Carbines, one (1) M653 rifle, one (1) M14 rifle, four (4) M16 magazines, and four (4) bandoliers were recovered by the troops of the 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion stationed in Arakan, North Cotabato.
Lieutenant Colonel Jose C Regonay Jr., Commanding Officer of 72IB, said that the location of the arms cache was revealed by Mayunie Man-inday Sayad alias “King”, 31 years old and a full-time member of Guerilla Front 57, who surrendered to their unit on May 19. He also said that Sayad surrendered because of fear and hunger caused by the sustained Focus-Military Operations (FMO) conducted by the troops. He added that it was Brgy Chairman Thelma Hilaria of Brgy New Kabalantian who helped Sayad in surrendering peacefully to the government forces.
Moreover, according to Sayad, they decided to bury the said firearms due to exhaustion from carrying it while they were escaping from the FMO launched by 72IB.
Meanwhile, Agila Division Commander MGen Nolasco A Mempin lauded 72IB for their relentless effort to end the Communist Insurgency in their area of operations. He also thanked the community, especially the local leaders in the area, for their continuous support to the government forces.
“To the remaining Communist NPA Terrorists, we again call for your surrender. Just like Sayad, you can choose to peacefully surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. However, if you choose otherwise, rest assured that 10ID will use its military might to destroy the Communist Terrorist Group that brought violence and fear to our countrymen for the past five decades.” MGen Mempin added.