Lopez: Military and police personnel on Sunday recovered a high-powered machine gun and ammunition formerly belonging to the government following an operation against New People's Army (NPA) remnants in Lopez, Quezon. The recovery of these items signifies a significant step in the ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent networks in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the recovered items were a .50 caliber machine gun and 179 rounds of ammunition, as disclosed by Col. Michael Aquino, acting Public Affairs Office chief of the Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Division (ID). "Initial assessment indicates that the recovered firearm and ammunition is the same weapon seized by the NPA elements under the Apolonio Mendoza Command during their attack on a Philippine Coast Guard station and a Philippine Navy vessel in Real, Quezon, in August 2003," he said in a statement Sunday night.
The operation conducted in Barangay Sta. Elena was executed by the 85th Infantry Battalion of the 2nd ID in coordination with the Lopez Municipal Police Station. This initiative was part of the 2nd ID's strategic efforts to further weaken the NPA's capabilities in South Luzon, as stated by Aquino.
Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, the 2nd ID commander, emphasized that the recovery reflects the steady results of persistent operations and the cooperation among security forces and civilian communities. "Recoveries like this show that sustained pressure makes a difference. Each weapon taken out of circulation reduces the ability of the armed groups to threaten lives and disrupt communities," he said.
This development follows recent back-to-back arms cache recoveries in Labo, Camarines Norte, where Army and police forces seized dozens of NPA firearms, explosives, and ammunition. These actions reflect a renewed and intensified push to dismantle remaining insurgent networks and deny them the resources needed to operate.
Zagala assured that the 2nd ID remains committed to sustaining security operations to preserve these gains and ensure the continued safety of communities across South Luzon.
