MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Government forces successfully seized two high-powered firearms and assorted enemy war materiel following a brief but intense armed encounter with remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in a remote village of Bukidnon on June 6, 2026.
According to the military, troops under the 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) engaged a group of armed rebels in Sitio Mahawan, Barangay Busdi, Malaybalay City, triggering a firefight that lasted approximately 20 minutes.
The encounter occurred during ongoing focused military operations aimed at dismantling the remaining CTG elements operating in Northern Mindanao. Following the clash, government troops secured the area and discovered several abandoned war materiel and subversive documents believed to have been left behind by the fleeing rebels.
Among the items recovered were two M16A1 rifles, along with various materials considered significant to the rebels’ operational and logistical activities. Military officials said the seizure represents another setback for the CTG’s efforts to sustain its armed struggle in the region.
The operation was carried out through the combined efforts of several maneuver and support units under the 4th Infantry Division, including the 1st Special Forces Battalion, 26th Infantry Battalion, 88th Infantry Battalion, and 8th Infantry Battalion, which have been conducting sustained security and area-clearing operations across Bukidnon.
Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, lauded the operating troops for their swift and coordinated response during the encounter, emphasizing the continued momentum of military operations against insurgent remnants in the province.
“We once again extend our appeal to you, not as adversaries, but as fellow Filipinos. True courage is not measured by the bearing of arms, but by the willingness to embrace peace and unity. Do not squander your lives on a futile cause and a distorted ideology. There remains a lawful path through surrender, through which lasting peace and harmony may be achieved in our communities,” Tubalado said.
The brigade commander stressed that government forces remain committed to pursuing armed groups that continue to threaten the safety and development of local communities while simultaneously encouraging rebels to return to the folds of the law.
Meanwhile, Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eliminating armed threats and preserving peace and stability throughout its area of responsibility.
“The 4th Infantry Division remains steadfast in its mission to protect the people and neutralize all armed threats. We will continue to intensify our focused military operations to ensure lasting peace and stability in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Regions. At the same time, we encourage remaining CTG members to avail of government programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and return to the folds of the law for peaceful and dignified reintegration into society,” Angcao said.
Military officials said the latest operation demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-driven and focused military campaigns being conducted throughout Bukidnon and neighboring provinces. Authorities continue to monitor the movements of remaining insurgent elements while strengthening security measures to prevent rebel groups from re-establishing their presence in affected communities.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has repeatedly urged remaining CTG members to surrender and take advantage of government reintegration programs, which provide financial assistance, livelihood opportunities, and other support aimed at helping former rebels rebuild their lives and reintegrate into mainstream society.
The recovered firearms and documents are currently undergoing further examination and documentation as part of the military’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the operational capabilities of insurgent groups in Northern Mindanao.