Soldiers have recovered firearms believed to have been part of the weaponry of a unit of the New People’s Army operating in Cagayan.
Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command acting commander Major Gen. Andrew Costelo said the firearms, which included two M-16 rifles were seized following a tip off from a rebel.
The firearms were recovered at Sitio Daligan, Barangay San Juan, Rizal, Cagayan on Saturday as the military has intensified its counter insurgency operations.
The military has been under strict orders from President Duterte to end insurgency before he leaves office next year.
Costelo said the firearms were recovered after an alleged former rebel identified as “Frank” who the military said “surrendered” on New Year’s Day disclosed their location.
The firearms were part of the weapons of the Komiteng Probinsya (KOMPROB) Cagayan of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV) of the NPA.
“The said firearms are subject to remuneration and will be processed through the help of the Department of Interior and Local Government,” said Brig. Gen. Steve Crespillo, commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade, whose area covers the whole of Cagayan province.
Costelo said they will continue to talk with the rebels and ask them to take chance at the wide opportunities being offered to them by the government through its reintegration program.
“Nolcom will keep its doors open for negotiations and will continue to encourage all former rebels to encourage more members of the Communist Terrorist Groups to lay down their arms, go back to the folds of government, and become a productive citizen that will contribute to nation-building,” Costelo said.