Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental — A significant breakthrough in the fight against insurgency was achieved on November 26, 2024, as a joint internal security operation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) successfully recovered two high-powered firearms at Mount Balatukan Peak.
The operation, a collaborative effort involving the 1001st and 1004th Maneuver Companies of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB-10), the 1st Special Forces Battalion, and Bravo Company of the 58th Infantry Battalion, 402nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army, was initiated based on intelligence provided by a former rebel.
Alias Jonard, a former member of the Local Platoon of Sub-Regional Command 1 (SRC-1) under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), disclosed the location of the buried firearms. Jonard had surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, on July 14, 2024, and provided information on an arms cache buried by SRC-1 in the remote area.
Using excavation tools and a metal detector, the joint team recovered two 5.56 MM M16 rifles: one with serial number RP135941 and another with serial number 817520. The firearms were subsequently secured and brought to the 1st Special Forces Battalion for proper disposition.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO10, lauded the successful operation and the seamless collaboration between the AFP and PNP.
“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to dismantling threats to peace and order in Northern Mindanao. The recovery of these firearms is a step closer to securing a safer and more stable region for our communities,” he said.
PBGEN De Guzman also underscored the vital role of former rebels in peacebuilding efforts, encouraging others to follow Jonard’s example.
“We encourage those who have gone astray to return to the fold of the law. Their decision can lead to valuable intelligence, ultimately helping us build a peaceful society,” he added.
The Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 assured the public of continued proactive efforts, in collaboration with the AFP, to address security challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of communities across Northern Mindanao.
This operation marks another victory in the government’s ongoing campaign to neutralize threats posed by armed groups and secure lasting peace in the region.