Army seizes high-powered firearms in Capiz clash

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two high-powered firearms were recovered following an armed encounter between Philippine Army troops from the 12th Infantry Battalion and suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on July 19 in Tapaz, Capiz.

Reports said the 12th IB clashed with around 10 remnants of the dismantled Central Front and Regional Sentro de Grabidad, both under the Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay (KR–Panay), at around 5:30 a.m. Saturday in Barangay Apero.

The firefight lasted about 15 minutes.

No casualties were reported on the Army’s side, while losses on the enemy side remain undetermined, the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said in a statement.

Following the clash, the suspected rebels retreated westward and northwestward, leaving behind their weapons—an M16 rifle, an AK-47 rifle, and two magazines.

On July 15, 12th IB troops also recovered a high-powered firearm and other war materials at Sitio Badas, Barangay Tacayan, Tapaz.

Seized in that operation were an M16 rifle, a defective caliber .38 pistol, three short M16 magazines, ammunition, two rifle grenades, an anti-personnel mine detonator, three blasting caps, a 50-meter wire, and a holster.

Earlier on June 16, the unit found an M16 rifle and war materials at Sitio Naatip, Barangay Lahug, also in Tapaz.

Meanwhile, 3ID leadership commended the 12IB for their persistent anti-insurgency operations that led to the successful seizure of firearms and other materials.

The success was also credited to the vigilance of the local community in providing timely and accurate information.

“I commend the relentless dedication of the 12IB, whose military operations led to the seizure of high-powered firearms and war materials,” said Major General Michael Samson, 3ID commander.

“This success is equally owed to the vigilance and cooperation of the people of Tapaz, whose timely and accurate information proved instrumental,” he added.

He emphasized that the 12IB’s efforts are part of the 3ID’s commitment to end the presence of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in Panay.

“We assure our fellow citizens that the 3ID will press on—driven by the fervent desire of the people for lasting peace and a CTG-free Panay and Western Visayas,” Samson said.

He urged communities to continue supporting the Philippine Army by “reporting, participating, and uniting to finally turn the page toward lasting peace and progress in the region.”