Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental — Government forces recovered two high-powered firearms from an arms cache near Tagalolo River in Sitio Mangilit, Barangay Bal-ason, Gingoog City on Saturday, April 19, 2025, following information provided by a former New People’s Army (NPA) rebel.
According to the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB), the seized weapons — an M16 rifle and an AK47 rifle — were recovered during a military operation prompted by the surrender of Carlito Lindahay, alias “Yama,” last March 3. Lindahay, described by the military as a demoralized NPA remnant and the longest-serving member in Misamis Oriental, revealed the location of the hidden firearms.
Lieutenant Colonel Leoncito I. Grezula Jr., Commanding Officer of the 58IB, confirmed the operation’s success, noting that the recovered rifles were believed to have been used in past armed encounters against government troops securing local communities.
“This recovery highlights the importance of timely and credible information, and we commend the courage of the surrenderer for choosing peace over violence,” Grezula said.
Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID), lauded the 58IB for its relentless peacekeeping efforts.
“This successful recovery is a significant step forward in our mission to end local communist armed conflict and declare our area of responsibility insurgency-free,” Anayron said. “The surrenderer’s willingness to reveal the arms cache is a testament to his sincerity. We continue to encourage other members of the NPA to return to the fold of the law. The government, through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), stands ready to support their reintegration into mainstream society.”
The military reiterated its call for remaining NPA members to surrender and avail of government assistance, as authorities work to restore lasting peace in Misamis Oriental.