Soldiers recover firearms, homemade bombs in Maguindanao

March 4, 2020

Soldiers recovered high-powered firearms and improvised bombs as they continue clearing operation in Maguindanao on Wednesday.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), the high-powered firearms and improvised explosive devices were recovered in two areas where troops encountered the Daesh-inspired terrorist group in Maguindanao.

Encinas said troops of the 1st Mechanized Battalion recovered two high-powered firearms while scouring the encounter site in Barangay Tuayan, Datu Hoffer, at 6 am.

"Seized were one 7.62mm improvised sniper rifle and one 5.56mm improvised rifle. Also recovered were several sacks of rice," he said.

Encinas said two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) made of "jetmatic pump" were also recovered during clearing operation in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao at 4:50pm on March 3.

He said the recovered IEDs were placed in the custody of the 57th Infantry Battalion for safe keeping and proper documentation.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Wesmincom commander, said troops are pursuing the fleeing enemies.

“We are gaining ground and we remain steadfast in our efforts to crush the remaining militants who refuse to return to the folds of the law,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS