Army discovers weapons cache in Sarangani

THE troops under 73rd Infantry Battalion discovered an arms cache in the vicinity of Sitio Mahayag, Barangay Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province on Friday afternoon after a surrenderer provided them with the information.

Captain Jerry Lamosa, 10th Infantry Division (ID) Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief said troops recovered three AK47 rifles with defaced serial numbers believed to be properties of Platoon North, GF 71, Far South Mindanao Regional Committee (FSMR).

The operation was conducted after alias Lakay, a former member of Pltn North, GF 71, FSMR who surrendered to 73IB with one M16 Rifle on May 15 tipped them off of its location. The firearms are now in the custody of 73IB for proper disposition.

“With our intensive security operations and continuous collaborations to our Barangay Officials, we can gear our efforts towards the attainment of peace in our communities,” Lieutenant Colonel Marion Ancao, 73IB commander said.

The troops facilitated the former rebels who will be presented to the local government unit of Sarangani for immediate assistance and subsequently enrollment to the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (Clip) should they qualify. Under the Clip, they will be provided with livelihood assistance and they will also receive additional cash assistance for their surrendered firearms.

“For those NPAs who are still hiding right now, it is your chance to surrender peacefully, bring down your firearms and avail the government programs intended for you. You deserve to live happily with your family,” Brigadier General Roberto Ancan 1002nd Brigade Commander said.