CAMP SANG-AN, Zamboanga del Sur — Government troops dealt a major blow to terrorist remnants in Mindanao after recovering 295 hand grenades from a concealed arms cache believed to have been hidden by members of the Daulah Islamiya–Maute Group in Barangay Piagolongan, Marogong, Lanao del Sur on March 11, 2026.
The explosives were recovered during a joint security operation conducted by troops of the 55th Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Group (JTG) Haribon of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, working closely with the 64th Infantry Battalion under JTG Three Red Arrows of the 101st Infantry Brigade. Both units operate under Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN of the 1st Infantry Division (1ID).
Military officials said the discovery of nearly 300 hand grenades in a single cache represents a significant disruption to the remaining operational capability of extremist groups in the area. The explosives, if left undiscovered, could have been used in large-scale attacks against civilians, government forces, or public infrastructure.
Security officials stressed that removing the explosives from circulation has likely prevented potential mass-casualty incidents, while also enhancing the safety and security of nearby communities.
Community Cooperation Key to Discovery
Authorities also highlighted the critical role played by local residents, whose cooperation and trust in government forces led to the successful discovery of the hidden explosives.
Military leaders described the community’s involvement as a strong indicator of a growing shift among residents toward peace and stability, rejecting the continued presence of weapons and violent extremist groups in their communities.
“This act of civic courage demonstrates that the people themselves are becoming partners in safeguarding their communities,” the military said in a statement.
Military Leadership Commends Troops
Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, commended the troops and local residents for their cooperation in the successful recovery operation.
He emphasized that such large-scale security gains are only possible through strong collaboration between the military and the communities they protect.
Barroquillo also praised the seamless coordination between JTG Haribon and JTG Three Red Arrows, noting that the operation demonstrated effective inter-unit cooperation across different Joint Task Group areas when missions require joint action.
Continuing Campaign Against Terrorist Networks
The operation forms part of the continuing efforts of Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN and the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division to dismantle the remaining networks of extremist groups in Western Mindanao, particularly those linked to the Daulah Islamiya movement and the Maute Group.
Authorities said operations will continue to focus on recovering hidden war materiel, neutralizing terror remnants, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure that conflict-affected areas can move toward lasting peace and development.
Security forces reiterated that the recovery of the explosives not only weakens the operational capability of terrorist remnants but also represents a critical step toward protecting civilian lives and preventing future attacks in the region.