EXPLOSIVE CACHE, AMMUNITIONS, AND SUBVERSIVE DOCUMENTS DISCOVERED IN KALINGA

PRO Cordillera cops and troops from the Philippine Army discovered an explosive cache containing several war materials while conducting an Insurgency Security Operation (ISO) in Balbalan, Kalinga, on March 5, 2024.

Based on the report submitted to PRO Cordillera Regional Director, PBGEN DAVID K PEREDO, JR, joint operatives of the Kalinga PPO, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, Philippine Army, and PNP Special Action Force discovered one M16 aluminum short magazine, ten pieces of 7.62 mm live ammunition, 11 pieces of 5.56 mm live ammunition, 25 pieces of 5.56mm empty shells, two pieces of 9 mm empty shells, two pieces of live rifle grenades, one case for a rifle grenade, bandilang pula for KM/NPA/CPDF, one bandolier, two coiled explosive electrical wires, an empty plastic gallon, subversive NPA documents, NPA flags, other personal belongings, and accouterments in a forested area at Sitio Uta in Brgy. Gawaan.

The same report disclosed that these materials are allegedly owned by the New People’s Army (NPA). After documentation, all the discovered materials and ammunition were turned over to the Kalinga PPO for proper disposition while operating troops were searching adjacent areas of the encampment for the possible recovery of other explosive devices.

In his statement, the Provincial Director of Kalinga PPO, PCOL FREDDIE M LAZONA, commended the operating troops for stepping up their efforts in ensuring peace and order in the province. He is also appealing to the public to collaborate with government agencies, provide pertinent information regarding the location of other armed caches, and encourage members of the CTGs and NPA to return to the folds of law to finally end local communist armed conflict. (PRO CORDILLERA PIO)