MALAPATAN, SARANGANI PROVINCE — Police authorities recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a caliber .38 revolver, and three rounds of live ammunition following information provided by a former member of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Malapatan, Sarangani Province, on August 22, 2026.
According to the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), the recovery was carried out at about 2:25 p.m. after authorities acted on information disclosed by a former CTG member identified as “Cavite.”
Police said Cavite was identified as a former member of Guerilla Front 71 under the Far South Mindanao Region and had served as a CTG courier. He was described by authorities as a non-PSR-listed personality who voluntarily surrendered to the government on July 24, 2026.
Following the disclosure, a joint team of law enforcement personnel proceeded to the reported location at Purok Malakotay, Barangay Patag, Malapatan.
The operation involved personnel from the 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company, Malapatan Municipal Police Station (MPS), Sarangani Provincial Police Office (SPPO) Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit 12, Sarangani Maritime Police Station, Sarangani Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit, and the Malapatan Municipal Law Enforcement Team.
The coordinated operation resulted in the recovery of two IEDs, one caliber .38 revolver, and three rounds of live caliber .38 ammunition.
Police said the recovered firearm and ammunition were brought to the Malapatan MPS for proper documentation and disposition in accordance with established procedures.
The two IEDs, meanwhile, were secured by the Sarangani Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit for appropriate handling and disposal, given the potential danger posed by improvised explosive devices.
The recovery highlights the potential intelligence value of information provided by former members of armed groups who surrender and cooperate with authorities. In this case, the disclosure enabled law enforcement personnel to locate and secure weapons and explosive devices before they could potentially be used in a violent incident.
PRO-12 is under the leadership of Regional Director PBGen Alan B. Manibog, who continues to oversee police operations aimed at preventing armed violence and recovering illegal firearms and explosives in the region.
Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the intended use or origin of the recovered IEDs and firearm. Further investigation and documentation are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the cache and whether other individuals may be linked to the recovered weapons and explosives.
Police likewise reminded the public to immediately report suspicious activities, firearms, explosives, or other potentially dangerous items to the proper authorities and to avoid handling suspected explosive devices themselves.
The recovery in Malapatan comes amid continuing law enforcement efforts in parts of Mindanao to address the remnants and logistical networks of armed groups through intelligence operations, surrender programs, and coordinated police and security operations.