Report from local resident led to the capture of a rebel firearm

By DPAO, 8ID PA
June 15, 2014

TACLOBAN CITY – Report from a concerned local residents to an Army Unit in Eastern Visayas led to the recovery of a high-powered firearm allegedly owned by an active NPA member.

Lt. Col. William P. Peñafiel Jr., Commanding Officer of the 52nd Infantry (Cadre) Battalion based at So. Cantaba, Brgy. Caticugan, Sta Rita, Samar said his troops received an information from a local resident of Brgy. San Andres, Villareal, Samar that a NPA rebel personality hid a firearm in a forested area near a farm in their barangay. A recovery team was sent to the area and recovered one (1) Caliber .30 Carbine Rifle with one (1) magazine and eleven live ammunitions.

LtCol. Peñafiel attributed the successful recovery of the firearm to the peace-loving resident of Brgy San Andres who heeded the Army’s call to report NPA rebel activities. “The recovery of the rebel firearm will lessen the capability of the rebels to sow terror among our people. In this token, I encourage others to be proactive in peace-building and be not just onlookers of what is happening in our communities. Break away from the silent majority and speak out, so that rebels will get the message that we are tired of their 45 years of violent activities.”