TACLOBAN CITY: Military troops unearthed a rifle and magazines belonging to the New People's Army (NPA) in the mountain of Old Union village in Sta. Rita, Samar. Lt. Col. Eduardo Meclat Jr., commander of the Philippine Army's 63rd Infantry Battalion, said in a statement Wednesday that troopers from the 63rd Infantry Battalion found the Bushmaster 5.56mm rifle and three empty magazines on Aug. 27 based on information from residents. The military confirmed that the discovered war materiel belonged to rebels, according to the official. "The discovery of this firearm underscores the critical role that the partnership between the military and local communities plays in ensuring security,' Meclat said. Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops for their relentless efforts to uphold peace in the area. He also thanked the residents for their cooperation and concern for their community. Samar used to be one of the strongholds of armed rebels, but the whole-natio n approach crippled the organization, which led to the dismantling of NPA guerrilla fronts in the province. Source: Philippines News Agency