TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur — Government troops and police forces have uncovered a significant cache of firearms, ammunition, and war materiel believed to have been concealed by remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) during a series of intelligence-driven operations in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.
The discovery was made on May 30, 2026, following a joint special intelligence operation conducted by the 401st Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army, in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Military officials said the successful operation stemmed from information provided by five former CTG members who surrendered on May 27 in Barangay Sibahay, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. The former rebels reportedly revealed the locations of hidden firearms and war materiel that had been concealed in remote areas previously influenced by the now-dismantled North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
Acting on the intelligence information, troops from the 36th Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Joselito T. Ante Jr., the 3rd Special Forces Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Jason F. Pangandoyon, and the 1st Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force commanded by Police Lieutenant Colonel Gregorio M. Changatag launched clearing and validation operations in two separate locations in Tandag City.
At Kilometer 22, Sitio Himat-e, Barangay Mabuhay, government forces unearthed an assortment of high-powered firearms and ammunition. Recovered from the site were one RPK light machine gun, one M4 Bushmaster short-barrel rifle, one M653 rifle, one AK drum magazine, three AK magazines, and 176 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
In a separate operation conducted in the vicinity of Lahi, Sitio Banahao, Barangay Maitom, troops discovered another cache containing one M16A1 rifle, one M203 grenade launcher, one M4 rifle, and two additional M16A1 rifles.
Also recovered from the area were five 5.56mm long magazines, three 5.56mm short magazines, four rounds of 40mm high-explosive ammunition, 360 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, three tactical bandoliers, two military backpacks, and various subversive documents.
Military officials described the discoveries as a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to neutralize remaining CTG resources and prevent the possible reuse of hidden weapons that could threaten peace and security in the region.
In a statement, 401st Infantry Brigade Acting Commander Colonel Glenn Joy Aynera emphasized that the operation demonstrates the sustained commitment of government forces to clear former insurgent strongholds and account for all hidden firearms and war materiel.
“The successful operation reflects the troops’ sustained efforts in clearing previously affected areas, in close coordination with partner agencies, leading to the continuous accounting and neutralization of concealed firearms and war materiel,” Aynera said.
Meanwhile, 4th Infantry Division Commander Major General Marion T. Angcao commended the seamless coordination between the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police, noting that the operation validates the effectiveness of continuing security and clearing efforts in areas once affected by insurgency.
According to Angcao, the information provided by former rebels who have chosen to return to the fold of the law has played a crucial role in locating hidden weapons and dismantling the remnants of insurgent networks.
“This successful operation reflects the strong coordination between our troops and partner units, as well as the continued support of former rebels who chose the path of peace. We remain committed to sustaining our gains and intensifying efforts to fully account for all remaining concealed firearms and war materiel, and to secure lasting peace for the people of Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions,” Angcao said.
The latest recovery forms part of the government’s broader campaign to eliminate the remaining logistical capabilities of insurgent groups and strengthen peace and security across conflict-affected communities in the Caraga Region and Northern Mindanao. Authorities said operations will continue as security forces work to locate and recover any remaining hidden arms caches in the area.