ACTING on a tip from a former rebel, troops of the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) discovered two high-powered firearms from an arms cache near Tagalolo River, Sitio Mangilit, Barangay Bal-ason, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, on Saturday, April 19.
Lieutenant Colonel Leoncito I. Grezula Jr., commanding officer of the 58IB, said their troops acted on the information by a former rebel who yielded to their unit on March 3.
Grezula said that Carlito Lindahay, alias ‘Yama,’ a demoralized remnant of the New People’s Army (NPA) and known as the oldest and longest-serving member in Misamis Oriental, revealed the location of the terrorist group’s arms cache.
“The cache contained one M16 rifle and one AK-47 rifle, believed to have been used in NPA operations against our government forces who have been securing our communities for years,” he added.
In his message, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), lauded the efforts of the 58IB in maintaining peace in the province, attributing this success to their dedication.
“This is a significant boost to our ongoing peace and security efforts to attain our goal of finally ending local communist armed conflict and declaring our Area of Responsibility (AOR) as insurgency-free,” Anayron said.
“The arms cache revelation by the surrenderer is a true testament to his sincerity in helping us achieve this goal. Hence, we continue to encourage the remaining members of the NPA to return to the folds of the law and take part in nation-building,” he said.
Addressing the remaining rebels, he said: “Together with the help of other government agencies, we assure you of the support and reintegration assistance you will receive through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).”
Photo courtesy of 58IB of 4th Infantry Divisio
