A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) tipped off authorities in the latest unearthing of arms cache at Sitio Liboton, Barangay Andap in New Bataan, Davao de Oro on Wednesday.
The cache includes three AK-47 rifles with two 30-round magazines, and one M16 Rifle with an attached M203 grenade launcher.
Alias Winwin revealed that the arms belonged to the Regional Operations Command/Regional Headquarters of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (ROC/HQ SMRC) led by a certain Leo Lacumbo alias Ole or Liang.
Winwin, who claimed to be a member of the ROC/HQ, surrendered to the Davao de Oro Provincial Police Office (DDOPO) last April 1, 2022 along with alias Jakjak of Guerilla Front 2.
The recovery of the arms cache was jointly operated by the DDOPO and the 66th Infantry Battalion.
The firearms are now in the custody of 1st Davao de Oro Provincial Mobile Force Company for proper disposition.
Lieutenant Colonel Julius Munar, commander of 66IB, commended the troops for the successful operation and recognized the effort of the former rebel who led to the discovery of the arms cache.
“This proves that these former rebels have turned their back to the NPA’s doctrine and shifted their support to the government.” Lt. Col. Munar said. (PIA XI/ Michael Uy)
