Guns recovered in encounter sites

TROOPERS of the 40th Infantry Battalion recovered five high powered firearms and other war materials following a recent clash with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Pidsandawan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao at 3 a.m. on Saturday.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, the spokesperson of 6th Infantry Division, said while the troopers were conducting combat clearing operation in Barangay Pidsandawan, they encountered about 10 armed men, believed to be BIFF members.

The clash resulted to the recovery of one Springfield carbine rifle, garand rifle converted into magazine feed type, M79 homemade, two homemade shotguns and other enemy paraphernalia.

In his statement, Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, the commander of 6th Infantry Division, said the encounter was the result of the sustained focused military operation against the BIFF and other treat groups as they wanted to put an end to terror groups responsible for the series of bombing in Mindanao.

Dela Vega is also optimistic toward gaining the victory and peace in Central Mindanao through “our partnership with stakeholders who have shown undying support to all our endeavors.”