UNITS of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) recovered 37 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and six high-powered firearms in a series of security operations over the weekend.
Major Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom public information officer, said the landmines were discovered and recovered by patrolling troops of the 16th Special Forces Battalion in Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, on February 16 following the information provided by the community.
Soldiers also engaged the rebels in a gunbattle on five occasions, resulting in the death of three New People's Army (NPA) combatants.
The clashes transpired on February 17, killing one communist fighter in Bunawan Brooks, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, while two were killed on February 18 during a hot pursuit operation that also led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles.
On February 18, a mass surrender of NPA members and its supporters composed of 17 personalities were welcomed by the 66th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Cabinuangan, New Bataan, Compostela Valley.
A certain alias Joan and a minor identified as Eman also surrendered to patrolling troops in Sta. Emelia, Veruela, Agusan del Sur. They yielded one complete set of landmines.
Joan said they were abandoned by their fleeing companions after she was wounded in an encounter with the 26IB in the same place on February 10.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr. expressed his appreciation to the security sector and the communities for their cooperation.
"These results are testimonies not only of the seriousness of the government to monitor and deter the NPA's terroristic acts and is also proof that good collaboration with the communities works best in bringing peace in the different communities," he said.
He further reiterated the government's call to the NPA member and supporters who are still active to surrender to the authorities and seek for a peaceful and reformed life.
"We continue to call for the sustained vigilance, cooperation, and active involvement of the communities with our security forces as we work for sustainable and durable peace," Madrigal said.