The New People’s Army (NPA)-Batangas (Eduardo Dagli Command) belied the 59th IB’s report of allegedly recovering weapons of the people’s army in Rosario, Batangas on December 15. According to NPA-Batangas, the battalion and the 2nd ID’s lie is an old tune and ridiculous.

The military report claimed to have recovered various weapons from an “NPA storage” in Barangay San Isidro, in Rosario town. The alleged found items included an M1 Carbine, a shotgun, a bandolier, two M16 magazines, and ammunition. It even claimed that a local resident divulged the storage site.

“The AFP and PNP’s fake news about the alleged recovery of NPA war materials in Rosario, Batangas is scripted, baseless, and empty self-exaltation,” Ka Gregorio Caraig, NPA unit spokesperson in the province, said. He said that eastern Batangas residents know well that the supposed recovery of the people’s army’s hidden weapons is a deception.

Ka Gregorio said this is also a the 59th IB officers’ scheme to extort additional kickbacks from the bounty they collect for each weapon and “victory” against the people’s army. “The funds they steal from the treasury through E-CLIP and BDP seem insufficient, so they profit by faking the recovery of NPA weapons and equipment,” he said.

Under E-CLIP or the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, the government allocates no less than ₱65,000 for every individual who will “surrender” to the government. Meanwhile, the bounty for each weapon “surrendered” ranges from ₱10,000 to ₱25,000 depending on the type.

Apart from Batangas, Philippine Army units also reported successive “recoveries” and “discoveries” of NPA weapons in other provinces such as Quezon, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur.