Philippine Army Recovers NPA Arms Cache in Masbate with 42 Mines and 119 Grenades
On Tuesday, soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, seized a cache of New People's Army (NPA) explosives in Barangay Libas, Placer, Masbate. The operation, based on information from local residents, uncovered 42 anti-personnel mines and 119 improvised hand grenades.
Maj. Gen. Aldwine Almase of the 9th Infantry Division highlighted the importance of community cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, noting the dangers posed by such weapons to civilians.
The discovery is linked to past incidents of violence, including a roadside blast in June 2021 that resulted in the deaths of football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin. Almase urged remaining NPA members and supporters to abandon violence and seek a peaceful life.
