Army destroys 186 guns seized in clashes

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The military yesterday destroyed 186 firearms that were surrendered or seized during encounters with rebel forces.

The destruction of the firearms was done at the Army’s 4th Infantry Division compound at Camp Evangelista in this city.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesman for the 4th ID, said the firearms were substandard and must be disposed of properly to prevent them from getting into the hands of lawless elements.

The firearms were mostly seized from the New People’s Army following a series of skirmishes in the region.

Martinez said the destruction was meant to show the public that the military is not using substandard firearms.