Army recovers 5 firearms in Kalinga

BALBALAN, Kalinga – Members of 50th Infantry Battalion has recovered five high powered firearms from alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the province.

Second Lieutenant Edgar Gonzales reported troops of the Charlie Company led by 2Lt. Justine Rigor Teves were conducting security operation at Sitio Masait, Mabaca, Balbalan when they encountered about 10 NPA remnants under Romeo Ammogawen aka Ranger.

A gunbattle ensued for almost 30 minutes, after which, the rebels escaped towards different direction leaving three M16, one M653, one M14, ammunitions and subversive documents.

Lieutenant Colonel Martin Daiz Jr., Commanding Officer of the 50IB, said their on-going security operations is in response to persistent reports from local officials and residents of alleged extortion activities of the rebels in Mabaca and neighboring barangays.

Daiz reported soldiers earlier discovered an abandoned camp at the vicinity of barangay Mabaca composed of 16 bunkers, one classroom, one dining room that can accommodate 50 persons. Assorted subversive documents and other paraphernalia were also recovered.

Daiz congratulated the troops and thanked local folks of Mabaca for their continuing support to 50IB in its campaign to end insurgency in the province.

He added there are 37 native NPA rebels still roaming in the province posing threat to the internal security of Kalinga. PIA Kalinga