Authorities have recovered several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) hidden by members of a rebel group in Gonzaga, Cagayan.
According to LTC Melvin Asuncion, Division Public Affairs Unit Chief of the 5th Infantry Division, the operation was conducted after a concerned citizen reported the location of buried explosives in the mountainous area of Sitio Tagkar, Barangay Isca.
Upon reaching the site, authorities discovered 38 IED components, four improvised blasting machines, five remote controllers, and 50 meters of wire.
The informant reportedly had personal knowledge of the explosives’ location, as they were previously involved in burying the devices during the active presence of armed groups in the area.
LTC Asuncion revealed that the citizen decided to report the explosives to prevent them from being used, especially as their community is now free from the influence of CPP-NPA-NDF groups.
Initial findings indicate that the devices had been buried for a significant time based on the operatives’ assessment during excavation.
The recovered items were immediately turned over to the Gonzaga police for proper disposition and disposal.
