Marihatag, Surigao del Sur — March 30, 2026
Government troops scored another operational success after uncovering an abandoned cache of high-powered firearms in Barangay San Isidro, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on March 28, signaling continued momentum in the military’s campaign against insurgency in the Caraga region.
Elements of the 75th Infantry (Marauder) Battalion, operating under the 401st Infantry Brigade, led the operation that resulted in the recovery of one M16A1 rifle, one M14 rifle, and a spare barrel for an M60 machine gun. The mission was carried out by the battalion’s Delta Company, augmented by a Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team from the 1st Civil-Military Operations Company.
Lieutenant Colonel Earl C. Pardillo, commanding officer of the 75th Infantry Battalion, oversaw the operation, which was conducted under the supervision of the 401st Infantry “Unite N’ Fight” Brigade led by Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera.
Military officials said the successful recovery was made possible through actionable intelligence provided by a former rebel, who revealed the location of the buried weapons during an information drive. The activity was jointly facilitated by personnel from the Palompon Patrol Base and the 1st Civil-Military Operations Company in Sitio Palompon, Barangay Mahaba, also in Marihatag.
In a statement, Aynera emphasized that the operation highlights the growing effectiveness of civil-military initiatives and grassroots engagement in weakening insurgent networks.
“This accomplishment reflects the trust we have built with communities and former rebels who are now choosing peace over armed struggle,” he said.
The discovery underscores the impact of sustained outreach programs aimed at encouraging members of communist terrorist groups to surrender and cooperate with authorities. These efforts form part of a broader strategy that combines military operations with community-based interventions to address the roots of insurgency.
Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, renewed his appeal to remaining insurgents to abandon armed resistance and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs.
“These programs provide real opportunities—livelihood, education, and support systems—to help former rebels rebuild their lives and reintegrate with their families,” Anayron said.
He reiterated that the 4th Infantry Division remains committed to sustaining peace and development efforts across Northern Mindanao and Caraga through intensified military operations, strengthened civil-military partnerships, and continuous collaboration with local stakeholders.
The Philippine Army has been ramping up its community engagement campaigns in recent years, resulting in increased surrenders and intelligence support from former rebels—developments seen as critical in dismantling armed groups and securing long-term stability in conflict-affected areas.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that more hidden arms caches remain in remote villages, with follow-up operations already being planned.