THE Philippine Army’s 902nd Infantry Brigade earlier this week seized 22 high-caliber firearms in an operation in Barangay Sta. Isabel, Iriga City, Camarines Sur.
According to 9ID public affairs chief Maj. Frank Roldan, the seizure was part of the unit’s ongoing efforts to end insurgency and achieve lasting peace in Bicol.
The operation involved troops from the 9th, 49th, and 83rd Infantry Battalions, along with the 92nd and 93rd Division Reconnaissance Companies.
It was launched after local residents reported suspicious individuals burying items in the area.
Responding to the tip, the troops patrolled the area and discovered a hut, where the owner admitted that the NPA had buried a cache of firearms, but could not specify the exact location.
Using metal detectors, the soldiers located the buried cache, which included 18 M16 rifles, 2 M14 rifles, 1 M653 rifle, and 1 12-gauge shotgun. The 902nd Brigade now holds these firearms for proper disposition.
The leadership of the 9th Infantry Division thanked the community for its support and emphasized the importance of public involvement in the mission to eliminate the threat posed by the Communist Terrorist Groups.
