Firearms, Motorcycle Recovered in Ifugao

Government forces were able to recover firearms and a motorcycle after a 15-minute gun battle with alleged members of the New Peoples Army (NPAs) in sitio Hablang, Binablayan here last week.

Soldiers from the 54th Infantry Battalion recovered a caliber .30 Garand, carbine with nine cartridge caliber .30 ball and a blue Euro motorcycle abandoned after the firefight.

The government troops were conducting security operations in the area in response to a report from one of the civilians about the presence of ten fully armed alleged NPAs identified as the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) operating in the Province of Ifugao.

Lt. Col. Narciso Nabulneg, Jr. commanding officer of the 54th IB, commended the locals for reporting the terror plans and activities of the group that prevented damage and atrocities in the area.

He enjoined the NPAs to stop the fighting that affects the peace loving people in the community, and instead lay down their arms and embrace the government programs as other NPAs, Militia ng Bayan and other supporters are doing.

“After all, we are all Filipinos. I also applaud the efforts of our troops for being steadfast and alert and keeping always on the double in responding to the needs of the community especially in implementing peace and order in the community,” he added. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)