EastMinCom troops unearth 10 NPA firearms thru former rebels' aid

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Troops of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol unearthed more arms caches with 10 high-powered firearms after recently-surrendered Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members revealed its locations at the hinterlands of Sitio Lag-it, Brgy Bayogo, Madrid, Surigao del Sur on February 8 and 9.

The former rebels who yielded to the 36th Infantry Battalion, 901st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (36IB, 901Bde, 4ID) on February 7 were identified as Lisa A. Bregorio alias Toryang, a Mess Officer, Leonard Frank P. Degumbis alias Joniel, a Political Guide, and Mario J. Suarez alias Alvin, a Team Leader, all under the Guerilla Front 30, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (GF30, SRSDG WL, NEMRC).

Acting upon their information, troops immediately launched a 2-day operation that led to the seizure of three AK47 rifles, three M16 rifles, a Bushmaster 5.56mm carbine, an M14 rifle, a Carbine Cal. 30 Rifle, a Shotgun, five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), various magazines and ammunition, terrorist documents, assorted personal belongings, and other war materiel.

Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol lauded the troops of the 36IB and 901Bde under 4ID for their relentless operations to defeat the CTG in the Caraga Region, which is now at its weakest point.

"I congratulate the 36IB, 901Bde, and 4ID for their latest accomplishment. The reduction of CTG's firearms will surely put them further in the weakest position. Push harder as our goal to defeat the communist terrorist in Eastern Mindanao is now in sight," he said.

From the first day of January 2023 to date, EastMinCom has already neutralized 51 CTG members mostly through surrender and seized 57 high-powered and low-powered firearms.#

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP