Soldiers recover rebels’ getaway motorbike in Magpet

KIDAPAWAN CITY -Elements of the Army’s 57thInfantry Battalion recovered a motorcycle believed used by communist guerillas as get-away vehicle after they ambushed two weeks ago government troops in a remote village in Magpet, North Cotabato. Captain Manuel Gatus, head of the 57thIB civil military operations, said the recovered vehicle was issued to Private First Class Wilfredo Ligsay of Charlie Company who was among those wounded during the ambush on June 10 in Barangay Noa, Magpet. The motorbike was recovered in a farm lot owned by a certain Remy Arguilles, who, according to Gatus, has vehemently denied links with the perpetrators. Gatus said some residents and barangay officials of Barangay Noa tipped them of a shallow grave at Sitio Sinahon, about 500 meters away from the ambush site, where the motorcycle was found buried.The motorcycle was wrapped with cellophane, which made Gatus to believe that the rebels would return anytime to get it. Few hours after the recovery, soldiers patrolling the area arrested Vicente Canedo, 51, for allegedly bringing an unlicensed 12-gauge shotgun. Canedo, according to the Army, was a member of the NPA. Canedo denied the Army claim.He told authorities the gun was used as his protection against lawless elements out to kill him. Immediately after his arrest, Canedo was placed under investigation by the Magpet PNP. Gatus said it is the police that would file legal action against Canedo for carrying unlicensed gun.