BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur — Government troops successfully uncovered an arms cache believed to have been hidden by the New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote area of Mt. Ararat, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, in a significant development that military officials say further weakens the dwindling insurgent movement in Northeastern Mindanao.
The operation was conducted on June 9, 2026, by personnel of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, both under the operational control of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID), following information provided by a former rebel who had previously surrendered to government authorities.
Acting on the intelligence report, operating troops launched a focused operation that led to the discovery of a buried firearms cache. Recovered from the site were an M16 rifle and two magazines, which military officials said had been concealed in the area for several years.
According to the former rebel, he personally buried the firearm in 2022 while still actively involved with the communist insurgency.
Military authorities described the recovery as another major blow to the remaining armed capabilities of the NPA in the region, emphasizing the crucial role of former rebels in helping authorities locate hidden weapons and dismantle insurgent networks.
Lieutenant Colonel Rey Vergel A. Annogui, Commanding Officer of the 30th Infantry Battalion, highlighted the importance of the operation in sustaining peace and security efforts across Agusan del Sur.
“The successful recovery of this arms cache highlights the invaluable contribution of former rebels who have chosen to return to the folds of the law. Their cooperation enables our troops to locate hidden war materiel and prevent these weapons from being used to threaten communities and government forces. This accomplishment further demonstrates the effectiveness of our sustained peace and security operations in Agusan del Sur,” Annogui said.
The military said the operation forms part of its ongoing campaign to dismantle the remaining structures of the communist insurgency and support the government’s whole-of-nation approach aimed at achieving lasting peace, security, and development in formerly conflict-affected communities.
The 4th Infantry Division has been intensifying efforts to encourage the surrender of remaining insurgents while simultaneously conducting operations to recover hidden firearms, explosives, and other war materials that could potentially be used to revive armed activities.
Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, commended the troops for the successful operation and underscored what he described as significant gains in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign throughout the Caraga Region.
He noted that many of the remaining NPA members operating in Northeastern Mindanao have either surrendered to authorities or have already been rendered ineffective, bringing the region closer to achieving Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status.
“This accomplishment is another testament to the dwindling capability of the NPA in Northeastern Mindanao. We commend the former rebel for his courage and trust in the government, which contributed significantly to this success. With the surrender of the remaining NPA members in the region and the continued support of our stakeholders and communities, the SIPS status will soon be declared throughout Caraga region,” Angcao said.
The military chief also urged individuals who may still be influenced by communist ideology to abandon armed struggle and take advantage of government reintegration and livelihood programs designed to help former rebels rebuild their lives.
Authorities believe the recovery of hidden firearms and continued surrender of former rebels will further contribute to the government’s efforts to permanently end decades-long insurgency in the region and pave the way for sustained peace and economic development across Caraga.