Arms depot raided in Aurora

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said yesterday that “remnants” of the New People’s Army in Aurora province “suffered another major setback” with the military’s seizure on Sunday of the rebels’ arms depot in Sitio Tambalungan, Barangay Nipoo in Dinalungan, Aurora.

Nolcom spokesperson Maj. Rosendo Armas said elements of the 48th Infantry Battalion led by 1Lt. Ariel Lobusta found five M16 rifles and two claymore mines exactly as tipped off by a “concerned resident” of the barangay.

Nolcom chief Maj. Gen. Ricardo David Jr. commended the civilian who, he noted, “had mustered enough courage to divulge the enemy’s armory.” He also commended the soldiers.

David said “the growing awareness of the people on the programs of the government and the Armed Forces paved the way for the renewed support and confidence of the people” in the anti-insurgency drive. – Ding Cervantes, Artemio Dumlao