ANGELES CITY – The Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said yesterday that “remnants” of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Aurora province “suffered another major setback” with the military’s seizure last Sunday of the rebels’ arms depot in Sitio Tambalungan, Barangay Nipoo in Dinalungan, Aurora.
Nolcom spokesperson Maj. Rosendo Armas said elements of the 48th Infantry Battalion led by 1Lt. Ariel Lobusta found five M16 rifles and two claymore mines exactly as tipped off by a “concerned resident” of the barangay.
Nolcom chief Maj. Gen. Ricardo David Jr. commended the civilian who, he noted, “had mustered enough courage to divulge the enemy’s armory”. He also commended the soldiers.
David said “the growing awareness of the people on the programs of the government and the armed forces paved the way for the renewed support and confidence of the people” in the anti-insurgency drive.
“The information provided by the tipster that led to the discovery of war materials which could have been used to harm villagers or sabotage vital facilities in the region, at a time when the people are still reeling from the devastations of typhoons, was clearly an offshoot of the people’s trust,” he said.
Only last May 7, soldiers from the 56th Infantry Battalion led by 1Lt. Benny Espanola unearthed a drum containing 14 M16, one M14 and one garand rifles in Sitio Bulo Dam, Barangay Kalawakan, Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.
“Notwithstanding these major operational accomplishments, the public is assured that the troops are always on guard to protect our people,” David said.
“They are already a spent force – no manpower, much more of firepower. Still, we should not be complacent because the AFP has a target goal to meet by 2010 and we shall accomplish it by all means,” he also said.
Nolcom chief Maj. Gen. Ricardo David Jr. commended the civilian who, he noted, “had mustered enough courage to divulge the enemy’s armory”. He also commended the soldiers.
David said “the growing awareness of the people on the programs of the government and the armed forces paved the way for the renewed support and confidence of the people” in the anti-insurgency drive.
“The information provided by the tipster that led to the discovery of war materials which could have been used to harm villagers or sabotage vital facilities in the region, at a time when the people are still reeling from the devastations of typhoons, was clearly an offshoot of the people’s trust,” he said.
Only last May 7, soldiers from the 56th Infantry Battalion led by 1Lt. Benny Espanola unearthed a drum containing 14 M16, one M14 and one garand rifles in Sitio Bulo Dam, Barangay Kalawakan, Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.
“Notwithstanding these major operational accomplishments, the public is assured that the troops are always on guard to protect our people,” David said.
“They are already a spent force – no manpower, much more of firepower. Still, we should not be complacent because the AFP has a target goal to meet by 2010 and we shall accomplish it by all means,” he also said.
