CAMP JORGE DOWNES,Ormoc City– Military troops unearth the buried rifle and magazines belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the remote area of Barangay Old Union, Sta. Rita, Samar on 26 August 2024.
The discovery was made by soldiers from the 63rd Infantry Battalion (63IB), operating under the 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IBde), following a tip-off from concerned local residents. The residents alerted the soldiers of the presence of the concealed weapon and magazines in the area.
Acting Commanding Officer of the 63IB, Lieutenant Colonel Eduardo Meclat Jr., promptly ordered his troops to conduct a thorough search, leading to the successful recovery of a Bushmaster 5.56mm rifle and three empty magazines, among other related equipment.
Lieutenant Colonel Meclat emphasized that the successful operation was made possible by the trust, cooperation, and proactive stance of the local community in safeguarding their area.
“The discovery of this firearm underscores the critical role that the partnership between the military and local communities plays in ensuring security, “ Meclat said.
Meclat encourages all community members to continue working with the government to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, Commander of the 802IBde, commended the troops for their relentless efforts to uphold peace and security in the area.
He also expressed his gratitude to the populace for their cooperation and deep concern for their community, which has been instrumental in sustaining peace.
“On behalf of the peace-loving citizens, we are grateful to the residents of Barangay Old Union for their invaluable support and cooperation,” Vestuir ended. (PR)
