The military reported on Tuesday that it had recovered additional high-powered firearms believed to be owned by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Masbate as government forces continued its pursuit operations following a clash in the province over the weekend.
Capt. John Paul Belleza, spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said the arms cache was recovered by elements of the 2nd Infantry Battalion (IB) at Sitio Diwata, Barangay Salvacion, San Fernando, Masbate.
He said the soldiers were conducting pursuit operations following encounter that transpired on Sunday in the same area when residents reported that suspected rebels left several firearms at a copra-drying shack.
When the soldiers scoured the area, they recovered seven M-16 rifles, an M-4A1, an M-653, a shotgun, 13 long magazines and assorted ammunitions.
Earlier, soldiers and rebels clashed for about an hour at Sitio Diwata.
“As of the moment, a total of 16 high powered firearms and other important equipment and documents were recovered from the CTG [communist terrorist group],” Belleza said.
Joint Task Force Bicolandia and 9th Infantry Division (9th ID) commander Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad commended the 2nd IB under Lt. Col. Siegfried Awichen for the recoveries.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay also extended his congratulations to the 9th ID and the 4th Infantry Division (4th ID) for the Army’s successful combat operations against the rebels from April 19 to 21, 2020.
Army spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said Gapay noted the operations of the 2nd IB against rebels in Masbate and the 29th Infantry Battalion under the 4th ID against the NPA in Agusan del Norte.
On Monday, the 29th IB led by Lt. Col. Isagani Criste carried out combat and pursuit operations against rebels at Barangay Bangayan, Kicharao, Agusan.
A series of three clashes resulted in the neutralization of one suspected high- ranking NPA leader, the capture of three rebels and the recovery of an M-4 rifle with attached M-203 grenade launcher, an AK-47 rifle and the discovery of the rebel group’s hideout.
The 29th IB also rescued a 9-year-old boy after the first encounter.
Zagala said the recent encounters of the 2nd IB of 9th ID and the 29th IB of the 4th ID resulted in the recovery of a total of 19 high-powered firearms.