Army recovers firearms after clash with NPA in Bulacan

Philippine Army troops seized these firearms owned by New People’s Army rebels after a clash on August 13 in Norzagaray town, Bulacan province. (Photo courtesy of Bulacan police)

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan—Philippine Army troops found several high-powered firearms, explosives, ammunition, and other valuables belonging to New People’s Army (NPA) members after an armed encounter in Norzagaray town, authorities said Monday.

Colonel Charlie Cabradilla, Bulacan police director, said the Army’s 80th Infantry Battalion recovered a 5.56mm assault rifle, an M16 rifle, a 9mm pistol, a.45-caliber pistol, two hand grenades, and various rounds of ammunition.

Also found at the site were two backpacks containing antigovernment documents and other personal belongings of the rebel group.

Cabradilla said the Army troops had a five-minute exchange of fire with about five alleged members of the Kilusang Larangan Guerilla (Guerrilla Front Movement) Narciso at Sitio Sapang Munti in Barangay San Mateo around noon on Saturday, August 13.

The rebels immediately scampered toward the northeast direction, and blood trails were found at the encounter site, indicating that some of the rebels were wounded in the firefight, Cabradilla added.

There were no reported casualties from both sides, Cabradilla said.

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