PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Joint elements of the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police successfully seized 10 high-powered firearms following the surrender of two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to the 401st Infantry (Unite N’ Fight) Brigade under Brigadier General Antonio B. Dulnuan Jr. on October 17, 2025.
The surrender was made possible through the coordinated intelligence efforts of the 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) Battalion, 75th Infantry (Marauder) Battalion, 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion, and intelligence units of the 4th Infantry Division and PNP in the Caraga region.
Based on information provided by the former rebels, a joint operation was launched in Barangay Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, leading to the recovery of three M203 grenade launchers, two M16A1 Elisco rifles, one M16 Bushmaster rifle, one M16A1 Colt (AR-15) rifle, two Colt AR-15 rifles, one Firebird M4 rifle, six long magazines, and 778 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
Brig. Gen. Dulnuan lauded the success of the operation, emphasizing it as a clear result of the government’s Whole-of-Nation approach in ending local communist armed conflict.
“The surrender of these individuals and the capture of these weapons weaken the NPA’s capabilities and pave the way for lasting peace and development in the region. We commend the courage of those who have chosen to abandon violence and return to the folds of the law,” Dulnuan said.
He reaffirmed the 401st Infantry Brigade’s commitment to sustaining peacebuilding initiatives and strengthening partnerships with local government units and communities to ensure lasting security and progress in Agusan del Sur.
The surrendered NPA members will receive support under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides financial assistance, livelihood aid, and other reintegration benefits to help former rebels rebuild their lives.