MANILA, Philippines – A local resident played tipster to the Philippine Army that led to the confiscation of a high-powered firearm from an alleged New People’s Army rebel.
Major Amado Gutierrez, Public Affairs Chief of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said government troops from the 52nd Infantry Battalion recovered one caliber .30 Carbine rifle, with one magazine and 11 live bullets that was hidden in a forested area near a farm in Barangay (village) San Andres, Villareal, Samar.
Lieutenant Colonel William Peñafiel, Commanding Officer of the 52nd Infantry Battalion, sent a recovery team based in Sitio Cantaba, Barangay Caticugan, Sta Rita, Samar, to the area after a local resident tipped them of the NPA activity.
“The recovery of the rebel firearm will lessen the capability of the rebels to sow terror among our people,” Peñafiel said. “In this token, I encourage others to be proactive in peace-building and be not just onlookers of what is happening in our communities.”
Peñafiel encouraged residents to “break away from the silent majority and speak out” on the activities of the NPA.
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