BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte — A cache of high-powered firearms components and explosive devices believed to be linked to a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) was discovered by joint government forces in a remote area of Barangay Antongalon on Tuesday, April 21, authorities confirmed.
The discovery was made in Purok 6, Imelda, following a tip from a concerned civilian, prompting an immediate response from personnel of the Butuan City Police Station (BCPS) 4, the 29th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and the 25th Ordnance Explosive Disposal (EOD) Team.
According to Police Brigadier General Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV, Regional Director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13, the operating units verified the presence of the hidden arms cache upon arrival at the site.
Recovered from the area were several military-grade items, including five M76B rifle grenades, one M76C rifle grenade, and one M76A-1 rifle grenade—explosive devices typically used in armed engagements. Also seized were multiple firearm accessories such as two M16 plastic short rifle magazines, four M16 alloy short rifle magazines, and one M16 long rifle magazine.
Authorities also recovered two M60 machine gun barrels with defaced serial numbers, raising concerns over possible attempts to conceal the origin of the weapons. In addition, a handheld radio and an Alcatel keypad cellular phone were found at the site, suggesting potential communication equipment used by the group.
“The discovery of these high-powered firearms and explosives underscores the continuing threat posed by armed groups operating in the region,” PBGen Magistrado said. “We commend our citizens for their vigilance and cooperation, which play a crucial role in maintaining peace and order.”
Due to the hazardous nature of the explosives, the EOD team immediately conducted a controlled detonation on-site to safely dispose of the rifle grenades, preventing any risk to nearby communities.
Meanwhile, the recovered M60 barrels have been turned over to the Butuan City Forensic Unit 13 for ballistic examination to determine their possible involvement in previous armed encounters or criminal activities.
Authorities have launched an ongoing investigation to trace the origin of the weapons and identify the individuals or groups responsible for storing the cache in the area. Security forces are also intensifying monitoring efforts to prevent similar incidents and to dismantle remaining arms networks linked to insurgent groups.
The incident highlights the persistent presence of insurgent-linked resources in parts of Caraga, even as government forces continue intensified operations against communist rebels.
Officials reiterated their call for public cooperation, urging residents to report any suspicious activities that may threaten community safety.