CAMP SIONGCO, MAGUINDANAO – 41 loose firearms were unearthed by Joint Task Force Central forces at Sitio Kanalan, Brgy Marguez, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat on December 3, 2021 alongside the government’s intensified campaign against loose firearms.
Troops from the 7th Infantry (TAPAT) Battalion under Lt. Col. Romel Valencia unearthed the 41 loose firearms and revealed that the discovery of the buried loose firearms was realized with the help of the residents of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat who were tired of the atrocities and threats posed by the communist terrorists in their communities.
“This is an indication that the residents of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat desires for peace and development in the communities. This is also a major blow against the Communist Terrorist Group who has been threatening the peaceful community of Sultan Kudarat,” said Lt. Col. Valencia while thanking the residents for their help in pinpointing the location of the arms cache of the communist terrorists that have been hidden near their localities.
The recovered loose firearms include thirty Four (34) 12-Gauge Shotguns, one (1) M79 Grenade Launcher, one (1) Springfield Rifle, one (1) Caliber .22 Rifle, two (2) single-shot pistols, one (1) Caliber .45 pistol, and one (1) Uzi. Ammunition of different calibers and two (2) IED detonators were also recovered with the said loose firearms.
The crackdown against loose firearms has been continuously happening in Central Mindanao alongside the series of surrenders of members of the Communist Terrorist Group since January of this year.
Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division said that the discovery of the said loose firearms and other war materials is crucial in the government’s campaign against loose firearms and is tantamount to maintaining peace and order in Central Mindanao.
“I am grateful for the help and continued trust of the members of the community who has been our partner in the quest to achieve peace and order in the Province of Sultan Kudarat. The support of everyone is important as we sustain our efforts against the Communist Terrorist Group and other Local Terrorist Groups in our area of operation”, Maj. Gen. Uy further said.
