TACLOBAN CITY-Government troops recovered several firearms both in Eastern Samar and Samar provinces on Sunday (August 27).
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, the commanding officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, the firearms were separately recovered in Barangay San Andres, Borongan City, and Brgy. Mabini in Basey, Samar.
The 802nd IB covers the entire Eastern Samar and parts of Samar province.
Vestuir said that the recovered firearms in Borongan City included an M-16 rifle and two anti-personnel mines while a Cal. 38 revolver pistol, 2 improvised shotguns, 2 steel magazines of M16 rifle, 37 rounds of 5.56mm ammunitions, and several medicines and medical gadgets like thermometer, syringes and IV fluids were recovered in Brgy. Mabini, Vestuir said in a statement.
These firearms were recovered by members of the 78th Infantry Brigade headed by Col. Allan Tria based in Borongan and Lt. Lucio Janolino, the commanding officer of the 63rd IB, were due to the information relayed by the local residents.
“I consider your collective acts as extraordinary form of patriotism by standing along with other peace-loving Samareños in the fight against the NPA terrorists,” Vestuir said, referring to the residents of the two communities who helped the government troops find the cache of firearms.
“This is an indication that the people understand and realize the united call of the military and the local government in ending the local communist armed conflict,” he said.
Vestuir also renewed his call for the remaining rebel members to return to the fold of the law and enjoy the benefits given to them by the national government.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
