Civilians returned SAF 44 equipment

Some equipment of the elite PNP Special Action Force troopers slain in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25, 2015 have been officially turned over to the PNP.

In a statement released on Wednesday (March 18, 2014), AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the Philippine Army's 601st Infantry Brigade collected the slain commandos' equipment, which were lost during the clash with combatants from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The statement said the equipment was returned to the PNP late Tuesday afternoon.

According to an exclusive report on GMA News' "24 Oras" on Tuesday, the following items were returned in good working condition to the AFP's 601st brigade:

Ø  5 night vision goggles

Ø  3 target pointers

Ø  3 Harris radios

Ø  2 night vision monoculars

Ø  2 night fighting devices

Ø  2 container boxes

Ø  2 gas masks

Ø  1 pair of combat boots and pants

Ø  1 Kevlar helmet

Ø  1 body vest

The statement said the military did not pay for the returned combat items, and each item were returned in good condition.

The PNP said the PNP-SAF troopers lost P27 million worth of equipment during the clash.