NPA arms cache unearthed

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Philippines

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat — The country’s military forces discovered hidden 34 high-powered firearms and explosives in the mountains of Esperanza town believed to be the arms cache of the New People’s Army (NPA) here.

7th Infantry Battalion (7IB) commander Lt. Col. Romel Valencia said the discovery of the arms cache buried in a shallow grave in a forested area of Barangay Marquez, Esperanza, came after a tip-off from civilians.

“Civilians are tired of atrocities by lawless elements so they are now helping government forces,” Valencia said.

He noted that after receiving the information, Valencia sent 1st Lt. Sonny Telino, commander of 7th IB Alpha company, to the site for verification and confirmation and disclosed that the firearms belonged to the NPA Far South Regional Committee Base operating in the foothills of the Daguma range.

“This is a huge blow on the communist movement and I appreciate the efforts of civilian communities and local leaders for their right decision to help us,” Valencia said.

“I assure you of your Army’s full support to all peace initiatives of the government in this part of Mindanao,” he added.

The firearms are now at the 7IB headquarters in Barangay Kalawag 2 of this town.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing NPA are listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front, meanwhile, has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the AntiTerrorism Council on 23 June 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.