A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed and eight high-powered firearms were seized by government troops in a series of military operations in Bukidnon and Surigao del Sur.
The rebel, identified as Joel Balos Dalunhay, died in a clash with troops from the Army’s 28th Infantry Battalion last Sunday, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) said.
The clash, which took place in Sitio Bayawa, Barangay San Luis in Malitbot, Bukidnon, also led to the recovery of an M16 rifle, a rifle grenade, medical supplies, journal notebooks, a commercial radio, and personal belongings of the rebels.
Last Saturday, troops from the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion seized four AK-47 rifles with magazines and live ammunition from the rebels in Sitio Panukmuan, Barangay Diatagon in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
The military said the firearms and the war materiel were recovered based on information from a former NPA rebel.
Last Monday, troops from the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion seized two AK-47 rifles, an M653 rifle in Purok 5, Barangay San Isidro also in Lianga town.
Three NPA rebels who earlier surrendered to the battalion disclosed the location of the firearms.
“These successes are part of our larger strategy to dismantle the remnants of the NPA, disrupt their capabilities and restore peace, especially to vulnerable communities,” said 4th ID commander Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr.
Anayron said the seized firearms were essential to the NPA’s ability to carry out atrocities.
“With each arms cache discovery and successful engagement, the group continues to weaken, paving the way for further peace-building efforts and security enhancements,” said Anayron.
