• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) has turned over firearms and explosives seized from remnants of New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The weapons were recovered during an encounter in Sitio Martesan, Barangay Cambayobo, Calatrava on Jan. 15.
This is in accordance with the established protocols in the disposition of firearms, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commander, said.
For verification of ownerships, turned over to the Calatrava Municipal Police Station were a caliber .30 Garand rifle, a Carbine rifle, a caliber .38 revolver, assorted ammunition and two rifle grenades.
A statement from the 79IB said that it acknowledges the invaluable support of the PNP in handling the process of investigating and proper accounting of confiscated firearms.
The said encounter between 79IB soldiers and remnants of the dismantled NPA Northern Negros Front also resulted in the seizure of a temporary rebel encampment. | GB
