Anticala, Butuan City — Oct. 4, 2025 — Troopers of the Philippine Army’s 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion discovered a hidden stockpile of rice belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) on Oct. 3 in Barangay Pianing, Butuan City. The rice was reportedly intended to supply rebel units should they move into the barangay.
The discovery came after a former rebel gave information that led troops to the cache, the battalion said. The find adds to a string of recent recoveries by the 48th Infantry Battalion in the area, which in recent weeks have included improvised explosive devices and firearms recovered from other barangays.
Military officials described the rice cache as evidence of the NPA’s continuing efforts to sustain its local operations. In statements posted by the unit, troops warned that such stockpiles are used to support fighters and their movements, and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Local authorities and the 48IB have been conducting intensified patrols and community engagement in Caraga Region following several trove recoveries earlier this month. The battalion said the recovered items — from explosive devices reportedly found in Barangay Bugsukan to the rice cache in Pianing — show the group’s ongoing attempts to maintain influence in hinterland communities.
The military appealed to residents not to be swayed by what it called false promises from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), saying such groups aim to recruit youth and undermine local peace and development. Officials reiterated a request for civilians to cooperate with security forces and report information through established channels.
No clashes or arrests were reported in connection with the rice cache discovery, and the military said investigation and inventory of the recovered items were ongoing. Authorities did not release information identifying any suspects.