2 rebels with 20 armalites arrested

AUTHORITIES foiled a planned attack of the communist rebels in communities after they were able to arrest two members of the New People's Army (NPA) and recovered 20 high-powered firearms on Friday, September 1 in Barangay Katipunan, Kidapawan City.

Philippine Military's 10th Infantry Battalion spokesperson Rhyan Batchar identified the arrested persons as Wowia Boton and George Cuyo, who are both NPA members under alias Choi of the Guerilla Front 53.

The operation was a combined effort of the troops from the 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) and Kidapawan City Police, and Cotabato Province Public Safety and Security Company (CPPSSC) after receiving information from the communities of suspicious armed men.

The soldiers on patrol chanced on the suspects transporting two M16 rifles.

The two later admitted there were 18 more M16 armalite rifles hidden and revealed its location during the interrogation that followed.

Batchar said that the suspects are now under the custody of Kidapawan Police Station for filing of charges.

Meanwhile, 1002nd Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Roberto Ancan said that they have information that the NPA

had directed its new recruits to conduct tactical offensives in several areas, thus, they have intensified their security operations to prevent any rebel attacks.

"With this information at hand, the military together with the police immediately planned an operation purposely to foil an impending threat," Ancan said.

Likewise, Major General Noel S Clement, 10ID commander, lauded the effort of the police and military forces involved that led to the successful turn out of the operation.

"We were able to prevent the NPA rebels from wreaking fear and havoc among the civilians," Clement said.

Clement added, "We have seen here the strong cooperation of the concerned people who were fed up by the presence of the NPA rebels who still continue to threaten, extort and recruit hapless civilians,"