Ex-CTG supporter tip leads to seizure of firearms, explosives

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 2, 2024): Ex-CTG supporter tip leads to seizure of firearms, explosives (By Zen Trinidad)

WAR MATERIEL. The cache of firearms and explosives recovered by Army soldiers in Rodriguez town, Rizal province, on Sunday (Sept. 1, 2024). Troopers of the 80th Infantry Battalion received information from a former rebel supporter, leading to the recovery of the war materiel. (Photo courtesy of 202IB, PA)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – A former communist terrorist group (CTG) supporter helped the Army's 80th Infantry Battalion seize a significant number of firearms and explosives in Barangay Puray, Rodriguez town, Rizal province on Sunday.

Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, said in a statement Monday that information from the ex-rebel supporter led to the discovery of the war materiel belonging to the former Komiteng Larangan Gerilya Narciso (KLG-Narciso) under the Sub-Regional Military Area 4A (SRMA-4A) of the Philippine Army.

The recovered items included two M16 rifles, one M653 rifle with ammunition and magazines, one shotgun, and one improvised explosive device (IED), according to Balaoro.

The operation highlighted the commitment of the 80IB to maintain peace and security in the region, as well as the resolve of former CTG supporters to prevent violence from resurfacing in their communities, he added.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to protect the people and uphold peace in our area of responsibility,” he said, even as he urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.

He called on the remaining active CTG members and their supporters to choose the path of peace and reconciliation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232475