NPA firearms, bullets recovered in Cagayan

ALCALA, Cagayan — Firearms hidden by the New People's Army (NPA) rebels were recovered on Black Saturday, April 19, in Sitio Capacuan of Barangay Dalaoig in this town, according to the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO-2).

PRO-2 officials said the recovery followed a joint operation conducted by the police and the army on an information relayed by concerned citizens regarding the rebels' hidden war materials.

According to PRO-2, among the items recovered are seven bullets of 40-mm high-explosive dual purpose or HEDP, four grenade rifle rounds BM76B, one bullet each of grenade rifle M76 and M76AI, four feet of red commercial detonating cord, and two non-electric blasting caps.

Also recovered were 38 bullets of caliber 7.62mm Ball, two 20-round magazines, a 30-round magazine for 5.56 mm, and an M203 grenade launcher with no serial number.

In addition, authorities recovered subversive documents, a pair of black boots, and a camouflage long-sleeve shirt.

The recovered items were properly inventoried, sealed, photographed and brought to the Alcala Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

The successful operation was carried by the combined forces of the Alcala Police Station, 112th Special Action Company of the 11th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit - Cagayan, 2nd Mobile Force Platoon of the 1st Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company, PIT Cagayan South - RIU2, Provincial Intelligence Unit of the CPPO, and the 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

BGen. Antonio Marallag Jr., PRO-2 regional director, lauded the operatives behind the successful operation, and emphasized the importance of the ongoing campaign against terrorism and insurgency to maintain peace in the region and throughout the country.

"This successful recovery is a testament to the vigilance, dedication and cooperation of our law enforcement units and the community," Marallag said.

He said PRO-2 remains steadfast in its mission to protect the people of Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) from the dangers posed by terrorism and insurgency.

"We call on our fellow Cagayanos to continue supporting the government's peace and security programs by reporting suspicious activities in their localities," Marallag said.