Army troopers seize NPA arms cache in Isabela

Army troopers of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) have recovered various firearms and ammunition from an alleged arms cache of the New People's Army in Isabela.

Lieutenant Colonel Isagani Nato, NOLCOM spokesman, said that the arms cache was uncovered at 12 midnight of June 26 at Barangay Sta. Isabel in Jones town after they acted upon the information tipped by the residents at around 8:30 p.m.

Soldiers from the 86th Infantry Battalion of the Joint Task Force "Tala" under the 5th Infantry Division based at Barangay Uno, also in Jones town, were immediately sent to the area to validate the report.

Nato said that both residents and soldiers dugged the area where they recovered an M16 5.56 mm rifle, attached with an M653 grenade launcher, as well as long and short magazines for an M16 rifle and 24 live ammunition for an M16.

The recovered firearms and ammunition were turned over to the headquarters of the 86th Infantry Battalion for "proper documentation and safe keeping."

"[The] NOLCOM will continue to engage all stakeholders to raise awareness among the populace on the evils of communism and the hostilities the NPA brings to the community and eventually become partners in attaining lasting peace and sustainable development," Nato said. — MDM, GMA News