Troops unearth NPA’s high-powered firearm, magazines in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2024): Troops unearth NPA’s high-powered firearm, magazines in Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

FOUND. The rifle and magazines belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) unearthed by soldiers on Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2024) in the mountainous Barangay Old Union in Sta. Rita, Samar. Soldiers found the war materiel through information from residents. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – Military troops unearthed a rifle and magazines belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the mountain of Old Union village in Sta. Rita, Samar.

Lt. Col. Eduardo Meclat Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion, said in a statement Wednesday that troopers from the 63rd Infantry Battalion found the Bushmaster 5.56mm rifle and three empty magazines on Aug. 27 based on information from residents.

The military confirmed that the discovered war materiel belonged to rebels, according to the official.

"The discovery of this firearm underscores the critical role that the partnership between the military and local communities plays in ensuring security,” Meclat said.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops for their relentless efforts to uphold peace in the area. He also thanked the residents for their cooperation and concern for their community.

Samar used to be one of the strongholds of armed rebels, but the whole-nation approach crippled the organization, which led to the dismantling of NPA guerrilla fronts in the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232112