PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Government troops scored another operational gain against insurgency after recovering a cache of high-powered firearms and war materiel in the hinterlands of Surigao del Sur, military officials reported.
Elements of the 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion (36IB), led by Lieutenant Colonel Joselito B. Ante Jr., successfully recovered the weapons on March 24, 2026, in the vicinity of Sitio Bato, Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel town. The unit operates under the 401st Infantry “Unite N’ Fight” Brigade commanded by Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera.
According to the military, the recovery was the result of intensified security operations combined with strengthened community engagement efforts. Information provided by former members and supporters of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) led troops to the location of the hidden arms cache.
Seized during the operation were three high-powered firearms, including a Czech VZ rifle, a 5.56mm Bushmaster Carbine, and a 5.56mm Rock Island Carbine. The military said all recovered items have been secured and are now under the custody of the 36IB for proper documentation, inventory, and disposition.
Colonel Aynera lauded the troops for what he described as a successful and precise operation, while emphasizing the crucial role played by civilians in the campaign against insurgency.
“These recoveries demonstrate the effectiveness of our intensified security operations and highlight the vital role of community support in dismantling insurgency. The active participation of the populace is essential to ending armed conflict and securing lasting peace,” Aynera said.
The latest development comes just two days after another encounter involving 36IB troops, where two CTG members were neutralized and four high-powered firearms were recovered during a clash in the hinterlands of Barangay Nurcia, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, on March 22.
Military officials said the series of operations reflects sustained pressure on insurgent groups in the Caraga region, as well as growing public cooperation that continues to weaken their support networks.
The 401st Infantry Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace and security efforts across its area of responsibility. It also renewed its call on remaining CTG members to surrender, abandon armed struggle, and take advantage of government reintegration initiatives, particularly the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides financial assistance, livelihood support, and other benefits to former rebels seeking to return to civilian life.
Authorities expressed optimism that continued collaboration between security forces and local communities will further accelerate the decline of insurgency in the region while paving the way for long-term stability and development.