Army troops recover CNT arms cache in Davao del Norte

By Francis Wakefield

Operating troops of the Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion under the 1003rd Infantry Brigade (1003IB) seized four high powered firearms in Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019.

The arms cache was discovered with the help of concerned citizens who reported the presence of Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in their barangay.

The firearms found stashed under a kiln were two M14 Rifles, one 50 Cal. Browning Heavy Machine Gun, and one 60 MM mortar. A magazine for M14 and 7.62mm ball ammunition were also recovered.

“The 1003rd Infantry Brigade with the full support of the civilian population and other stakeholders will continue to secure the areas under its jurisdiction against the threat posed by the CNTs,” said Brig. Gen. Ernesto D. Torres, commander of the 1003IBde.

Maj. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., commander of 10th Infantry Division (10ID), commended the troops and thanked the residents for their timely report that led to the recovery of high-powered firearms in Talaingod.

The municipality of Talaingod, Davao del Norte is under the area of responsibility of the 10th ID.

“With the troop’s determination and commitment to duty and with people’s support, we can expect sustained accomplishment of our mission,” Faustino said.

‘We urge the people within our area of responsibility to continue to support the government’s campaign against communist-terrorist threat. Rest assured that the 10th ID will continue to perform its mandate of protecting the people and securing our communities,” he added.

The Army called on the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting their security efforts by providing timely and accurate information concerning the presence or activities of lawless elements in their community.

The remaining CNTs were also encouraged to return to the folds of the law and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program.