A dozen assorted firearms were discovered by police in the hinterlands of Maitum town in Sarangani province, kept by communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels, a top official said Friday.

According to Brigadier General Jimili Macaraeg, director of the Police Regional Office in the Soccsksargen Region (PRO-12), NPA firearms were discovered Thursday in Barangay Batian, Maitum, after a tip from a concerned civilian.

Ten.32-caliber and.22-caliber revolvers, a .45-caliber pistol, a 9-mm Uzi machine pistol, and various ammunition were recovered.

A team of police officers from the PRO-12 and the Maitum municipal police office also recovered containers containing rice supplies kept by NPA Guerrilla Front 73 members operating in the province.

PRO-12 is in charge of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, as well as the cities of Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and Gen. Santos.