ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE – Elements of the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion unearthed an arms cache of the terrorist group New People’s Army, the military reported.
Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53rd commander told newsmen that they discovered the arms cache of the NPA while the military is patrolling the outskirts of Purok 2, sitio Datagan in Barangay Guibo, Siayan, this province.
He said a civilian has tipped off the military barracks regarding the presence of a volume of high-powered and live ammo in the hinterland barangay that also promoted the team of military fighters to conduct reconnaissance patrol.
“The Matapat Troopers will relentlessly pursue the enemy to keep the people of Barangay Guibo and the whole of Siayan town safe. This is a clear sign that hinterland community, once exploited by the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA, now renounce their lies, propaganda, and deception,” he said in a statement.
Brig General Leonel Nicolas, 102nd infantry brigade commander, thanked the active participation of the community in denouncing the communist ideology, which resulted in the discovery of the arms cache.
Nicolas also added: “We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the people of Siayan for the continued support in our campaign to end local communist armed conflict. We encourage everyone else to continue to denounce the Communist Terrorist Groups and their atrocities for our children and the future generation.”
Siayan is one of the second-class municipalities in the province which is only composed of 22 barangays. It has only a total population of 35,236 based on the 2020 census. – PNA
