29 high-powered guns seized from NPA

From the Manila Times (Jul 21, 2023): 29 high-powered guns seized from NPA (By Dexter A. See)

BAGUIO CITY: Two suspected members of the communist New People's Army (NPA), 29 high-powered weapons, and war materiel were presented to Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. of the Department of National Defense, Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, commander of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and members of the Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council at a recent meeting at the Baguio Cultural Convention Center here.

The two NPA rebels were identified as alias Ampoc/Lipat and alias Ronron.

They pointed to members of the 5th Infantry Division an arms cache containing 19 high-caliber guns in Besao, Mountain Province, and 10 more in Ifugao province.

Recovered in Mountain Province were 16 M16 rifles, one Galil rifle, two M653 rifles and various ammunition.

In Ifugao, also recovered were seven M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, one M653 rifle, one M203 grenade launcher, improvised explosive devices, hand grenades and various ammunition.

Alias Ampoc/Lipat said he left the NPA because he could no longer bear the hardships of being a combatant.

He cited programs and services implemented by government agencies under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Teodoro reminded other NPA fighters that there is no reason to continue their involvement in a movement that causes suffering to the people.

He said it is time to work together and unite to resolve the insurgency problem not only in the region but also in the entire country.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/21/regions/29-high-powered-guns-seized-from-npa/1901546