GOVERNMENT security forces have retrieved high-powered firearms hidden by the communist New People's Army (NPA) terrorists in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, a military official said.

Brigadier General Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the firearms were recovered last week in Midatag village, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte and in Piwan village, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur.

Nicolas said recovered by the joint elements of 97th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 53IB are one rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) with two ammunition and one M-14 rifle.

Nicolas said the location where the firearms were hidden was revealed to the troops by former member of the NPA, who recently surrendered to the government.

He said the revelation of former NPAs contributes greatly to the Army's campaign against communist-terrorist groups.

"Their contribution is a proof that even their former members want this five-decade-long insurgency to end," he said.

Nicolas said the recovered war materiel are now in the custody of the Army for documentation and proper disposition. (SunStar Zamboanga)