Army says its troops found a rebels' camp in Maguindanao; IEDs recovered

Government soldiers found a rebels' camp in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Thursday, the Philippine Army said on Saturday.

The troops from the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion were on a combat clearing operation when they found the camp in Sitio Talpok in Barangay Salman, it said.

2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Omar Orozco said the camp could accommodate around 50 people.

“Our troops were able to recover in the said encampment, three improvised explosives with accessories, assorted ammunitions, handheld radio, and a bag with personal belongings,” he said.

The troops coordinated with the military's Explosives and Ordnance Division team for the proper handling and investigation of the recovered explosives.

Joint Task Force Central commander Major General Juvymax Uy said the Army is sustaining its "focused and deliberate offensives" to ensure terrorists are run down and their leaders brought down.

Western Mindanao commander Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr. meanwhile said the Army supports the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which gives benefits to rebels who surrender.

“While we strengthen cooperation with other security agencies to end lawlessness, we also continue to support the local government in the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and other pro-active measures and initiatives that will facilitate the surrender of terrorists,” he said. —KG, GMA News