HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur — Government security forces recovered a concealed cache containing a high-powered rifle, ammunition, improvised explosive devices, and medical and surgical supplies during an intelligence-driven security operation in Barangay Tagbobonga, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, on August 21, 2026.
The recovery was carried out by operating personnel from the 1301st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13 (RMFB13), in coordination with the 14th Special Action Company (14SAC) of the 1st Special Action Battalion (1SAB), 133rd Special Action Company (133SAC), Field Support Battalion (FSB), 81st Special Action Company (81SAC), PNP Special Action Force (PNP SAF), Regional Intelligence Unit 13 (RIU 13), and Alpha Company of the Philippine Army’s 67th Infantry Battalion (67IB).
The operation was conducted as part of a Joint Major Combat Internal Security Operation under OPLAN 21-2026 “MUSTANG 08.”
Authorities said the operation stemmed from information voluntarily provided by a former rebel, who disclosed the location of a concealed arms cache in the area.
Acting on the information, the participating units immediately launched a focused scouring operation in the identified location, leading to the discovery and recovery of the hidden cache.
Recovered during the operation were one AK-47 rifle chambered in 7.62mm with a defaced serial number, three AK-47 magazines, and 102 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Also found were four APERS improvised explosive devices (IEDs), described as Clamor-type devices, along with medical supplies and surgical equipment.
The presence of both firearms and explosives in the concealed cache underscores the potential threat posed by illegally stored weapons and explosive materials, particularly in areas where government forces continue to conduct internal security operations against armed threat groups.
The recovered firearm, magazines, ammunition and other materials were secured and placed under proper custody for documentation and appropriate disposition, authorities said.
Meanwhile, the recovered IEDs were turned over to the appropriate Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)/K9 personnel for examination, safe handling and proper disposition.
Authorities did not immediately identify the group or individual responsible for concealing the cache, and the recovered materials remain subject to further investigation and documentation.
Security officials described the recovery as a significant result of intelligence-led operations and strengthened coordination among police and military units operating in the area.
The operation also demonstrates the continuing importance of information from former members of armed groups in locating hidden weapons and logistical supplies that could otherwise be used in future attacks or other security-related activities.
By taking the firearms, ammunition and explosives out of circulation, government forces effectively denied armed threat groups access to additional logistical resources, contributing to ongoing efforts to prevent violence and protect communities in Surigao del Sur.
The recovery comes amid sustained government security operations aimed at disrupting armed groups, dismantling their logistical networks and encouraging former combatants to support peace and security initiatives.
Authorities said such coordinated operations will continue as government forces work to maintain peace and security and prevent the resurgence of armed threats in vulnerable communities across the region.