AUTHORITIES foiled a planned attack of the New People's Army (NPA) after they were able to arrest two NPA members and recovered 20 rifles on Friday, September 1, in Barangay Katipunan, Kidapawan City.
Captain Rhyan Batchar, Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Battalion spokesperson, identified the arrested rebels as Wowia Boton and George Cuyo, who are both NPA members under alias Choi of the Guerilla Front 53.
Colonel Roberto Ancan, 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the two NPA rebels were arrested by authorities who chanced upon them while checking the reported presence of gunmen planning to attack Katipunan village.
The soldiers on patrol chanced on the suspects transporting two M16 rifles.
Batchar said that the suspects are now under the custody of Kidapawan Police Station for filing of charges.
During police interrogation, the suspects revealed the location of the 18 more M16 armalite rifles they hid.
Meanwhile, 1002nd Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Roberto Ancan said that they have information that the NPA had directed its new recruits to conduct tactical offensives in several areas, thus, they have intensified their security operations to prevent any rebel attacks.
"With this information at hand, the military together with the police immediately planned an operation purposely to foil an impending threat," Ancan said.
Likewise, Major General Noel Clement, 10ID commander, lauded the effort of the police and military forces involved that led to the successful turn out of the operation.
"We were able to prevent the NPA rebels from wreaking fear and havoc among the civilians," Clement said.
Clement added, "We have seen here the strong cooperation of the concerned people who were fed up by the presence of the NPA rebels who still continue to threaten, extort and recruit hapless civilians."
The operation was a combined effort of the military, police and the public who informed the authorities about the armed men in their community. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)