NPA explosives seized by soldiers in Albay; NPA man surrenders

DAET, Camarines Norte–Four improvised explosive devices (IED) and a firearm believed left behind by suspected New People’s Army rebels were found by government troops near an abandoned coconut kiln in a barangay (village) in Legazpi City on Wednesday morning.

The IED devices were found along with a 9 mm pistol, a 15-meter electrical wire and anti-government documents “of high intelligence value” in Barangay Cagbacong, Legazpi City, at 8:25 a.m., said Lieutenant Albert Bellingan, spokesman of the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) based in Ligao City, Albay.

Bellingan said the explosives were found next to a kiln used for copra-making by farmers.

Captain Mardjorie Panesa, public information officer of 9th Infantry Division, said the soldiers went to the area following reports from residents that suspected rebels were using the kiln, which was located in a wooded area of the village.

Meanwhile, a former NPA member surrendered to the 2IB at 8 a.m., also on Wednesday, said Major Angelo Guzman, spokesman of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Guzman said Lieutenant Colonel Perfecto Peñaredondo, commander of 2IB, identified the former rebel as Gilbert Paloma aka “Ka Vic/Ric,” who operated in Albay.

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