CAMP JORGE DOWNES, Ormoc City, Philippines – Army troops swiftly acted on intelligence regarding the location of various firearms allegedly belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Rizal, Kananga, Leyte on October 4, 2024.
This operation follows the death of Crispin Agunos, alias “Maniwang,” a member of the dismantled Platoon 2 of the Island Committee Levox, who was killed in an encounter in Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte, earlier this year.
A family member of Agunos subsequently approached the 93rd Infantry Battalion (93IB), under the 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IBDE), revealing the presence of NPA firearms concealed in the hinterlands of Sitio Bonote, Barangay Rizal.
Lieutenant Colonel Charlie L. Saclot, commanding officer of 93IB, ordered his troops to investigate the lead. The operation resulted in the recovery of an M16 assault rifle, a .30 caliber M1 Garand, an Interdynamic KG-9 pistol, five magazines, and 41 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
“The successful execution of the FReE Families Program was crucial in the intelligence operation’s success,” Saclot stated. He also expressed gratitude to the local citizens and stakeholders for their courage and cooperation in promoting peace in the region.
Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops for their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Leyte and Biliran. He acknowledged the community’s ongoing efforts to foster sustainable peace and development.
“The FReE Families Program, led by local chief executives at the provincial, municipal, and barangay levels, works in collaboration with the families of misdirected NPAs. We must seize this opportunity to actively engage in our shared responsibility for lasting peace and development,” Vestuir concluded.
