BY JEN BAYLON
BACOLOD City – In a coordinated joint operation of the Philippine Army’s 47th and 15th Infantry Battalions and the police’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 – 604th Maneuver Company, a substantial cache of firearms, ammunition, improvised explosive devices, and medical supplies was discovered in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Authorities acted on a tip from a concerned citizen, leading to the discovery at approximately 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, in the city’s Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi.
The discoveries included one serviceable 357 revolver, one serviceable homemade 12-gauge shotgun, two unserviceable 38 caliber revolvers, one fragmentation grenade, one command wire IED, one blasting cap with wire, 205 pieces of 5.56 live ammunition, three live cartridges of a 12-gauge shotgun, assorted live ammunition for different kinds of firearms, magazines, empty shells, holster, one unserviceable printer, subversive documents and medical handbooks, and assorted medical supplies.
Lieutenant Colonel Magno M. Mapalad, commanding officer of 47IB, commended the collaboration between the local community and security forces, emphasizing the essential role of vigilant citizens in supporting law enforcement efforts to combat insurgency and terrorism.
“Identifying these covert dangers demonstrates our security forces’ steadfast dedication to preserving community safety and security. It also emphasizes how crucial it is for law enforcement to have vigilant citizens supporting them in their fight against insurgency and terrorism. We applaud the resident’s bravery and sense of civic duty for providing vital information that made this operation successful,” said Mapalad.
“Further investigation will be conducted on the explosives and weapons seized to obtain information and find any possible connections to terrorist or criminal activity. Your army on Negros Island urges all residents to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity or object to the authorities right away. By working together, we can successfully combat terrorism and ensure the security and welfare of our local communities,” he added./PN
