IN a press conference held at Camp Alagar in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, on January 8, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the region, alongside the 4th Infantry Division represented by Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron, Jr., Commander of the 403rd Brigade based in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, presented a cache of firearms, gun parts, and accessories recovered from hinterland barangays.
P/Col Ramil Montilla, Executive Officer of the Area Police Command Eastern Mindanao (Ex-O APC-EM), disclosed the items seized, which included five M16 rifles, one caliber .45 pistol, 38 assorted magazines, and various gun parts and accessories. These items were retrieved on January 6 from the hinterland barangays of San Rafael, Talakag, Bukidnon, based on information provided by three former rebels.
During the press conference, the former rebels received financial and livelihood assistance as rewards through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), presented by Brig. Gen. Anayron Jr. and P/Col Montilla.
The firearms and accessories were recovered as part of the integrated oplan "MARVEL" conducted by joint operating units from APC-EM in coordination with the 1st Special Forces Battalion and the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) of the Philippine Army. The mission aimed to locate and recover arms caches used by the New People's Army (NPA).
Brig. Gen. Anayron assured that the seized firearms would undergo technical evaluation for remuneration and proper disposition. "Dili na kana magamit kay putol putolon kana," he emphasized.
Major Gen. Harold Tuzon, Officer In Charge of APC EM, underscored the collaborative efforts between the security sector, local government units, stakeholders, and communities in ending the communist armed conflict.
He urged active members of the NPA and affiliated groups to abandon the armed struggle, assuring government support for rebuilding lives within the bounds of the law, free from armed confrontations with government forces, and a pursuit of peaceful and secure living.
