Discovery of firearms in Samar weakens insurgency further: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2023): Discovery of firearms in Samar weakens insurgency further: Army (By Sarwell Meniano)

RECOVERED. The firearms buried by rebels in Paranas town, Samar province, found by soldiers on Jan. 18, 2023. The Philippine Army said the recent seizure of buried high-powered firearms in the town will further weaken insurgency in the province. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army said the recent discovery of several high-powered firearms in Paranas town, Samar province will further weaken insurgency in the province.

Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID), said Monday that former rebels have been instrumental in locating the firearms in Samar buried by rebels since they cannot carry them after the surrender of several combatants.

“The NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) is on the brink of collapse with the gradual surrender of their leaders and key personalities revealing the location of these hidden firearms,” Ligayo said in a statement.

The official made the statement after the military found buried firearms in upland Santo Niño village in Paranas on Jan. 18. Seized were two M653 rifles, an M4 Rifle, an M16 Rifle, four long magazines, and a short magazine.

“The intensified campaign of the regional task force on ending local communist armed conflict and with the aid of former rebels, it is only a matter of time before we declare them dismantled and the rest of Eastern Visayas free from insurgency,” Ligayo added.

The official urged the owners of these recovered firearms to surrender and avail of the benefits being offered by the government to rebel returnees, including the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Government forces found the hidden firearms a day after the surrender of 13 members of the New People’s Army, including their leaders in Samar province.

The surrenderers belong to the NPA EVRPC sub-regional committee Bugsok Platoon during a press briefing at the 8th Infantry Division headquarters in this city.

The rebels handed over 10 M16 rifles, two .45-caliber handguns, and one Glock 17 pistol. They also revealed the location of banned anti-personnel mines, medical paraphernalia, and several ammunitions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193327