• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Army 79th Infantry Battalion reported yesterday the discovery of firearms, ammunition, and an explosive, believed to have been buried by New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Mocabog, Brgy. Washington, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commander, said the discovery of buried war materials, composed of a caliber .38 revolver, a homemade 12-gauge with four ammunition, a 400mm ammunition for M203 grenade launcher, about 100 rounds of ammunition, a KMP flag, and a camouflage uniform, was in response to information relayed by residents in the area.
Calaoagan reported that the arms cache is believed to have been buried by remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front.
Last month, 20 firearms were also recovered by the 79IB after a series of encounters with rebel remnants in Brgy. Pinapugasan, Escalante City, that left three suspected rebels dead, and inflicted slight injuries on four Army soldiers.
Calaoagan said that the timely and reliable information from residents signifies their disgust and hatred over NPA atrocities and evil propaganda.*