SIBAGAT, Agusan del Sur — Government troops recovered a high-powered firearm, a low-powered firearm, and several war-related materials during a successful operation targeting hidden weapons caches of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the mountainous area of Barangay Kolambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on June 22, 2026.
The operation was jointly conducted by personnel of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) and the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) of the Philippine Army as part of the military’s continuing campaign to locate and recover firearms and equipment concealed by remaining CTG members in the region.
According to the Philippine Army, the operation was made possible through reliable information provided by former CTG members who had surrendered and returned to the fold of the government. Acting on the intelligence reports, military units carried out extensive validation and meticulous operational planning that enabled them to pinpoint the exact location of the hidden weapons.
The successful recovery highlights the growing cooperation between local communities, former rebels, and government security forces in efforts to weaken the armed capabilities of insurgent groups and sustain peace initiatives across the Caraga Region.
Lieutenant Colonel Rey Vergel A. Annogui, Commanding Officer of the 30th Infantry Battalion, emphasized the significance of the operation, describing it as a testament to the effectiveness of community support and the government’s reintegration programs for former rebels.
“This success is strong proof that the cooperation of our communities, former rebels, and government forces is the key to strengthening peace and security. Every firearm that we recover means a reduced threat to our people and a significant step toward lasting peace and development in CARAGA. We thank everyone who has shown trust and continues to support government programs for a peaceful and safer future,” Annogui said.
Military officials noted that the recovery of the firearms and war materiel not only deprives insurgent groups of resources that could be used in future armed activities but also contributes to ongoing efforts to prevent violence and protect communities from security threats.
The Philippine Army has intensified its operations in recent years following the weakening of insurgent forces in various parts of Mindanao, particularly in areas where former rebels have voluntarily surrendered and provided information leading to the discovery of weapons caches and abandoned rebel facilities.
Authorities are encouraging the public to continue supporting peace and security initiatives by providing credible information that could assist government forces in locating remaining hidden firearms and other war materiel.
The Army stressed that public vigilance and cooperation remain vital in preserving the gains of the government’s counterinsurgency campaign and ensuring the continued peace, stability, and development of communities throughout the CARAGA Region.