Cagayan de Oro City — The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) successfully recovered five high-powered firearms from a New People’s Army (NPA) arms cache in Agusan del Sur, following the recent surrender of top communist leaders to the 403rd Infantry Brigade.
The surrenderers, identified as alias Jari/Reds/Isyot/Raid and his wife alias Vivian/Yadi/Digan/Mags, provided crucial intelligence that led government forces to the arms cache hidden in Sitio Kalasungay, Barangay San Vicente, Esperanza, on September 22.
The operation was carried out through a joint special intelligence mission involving troops from the 8th Infantry Battalion, 88th Infantry Battalion, 26th Infantry Battalion, the 1st Special Forces Battalion, and 4ID intelligence units.
Among the recovered firearms were one M60 machine gun, one AK-Squad Automatic Weapon, and three AK-47 rifles, along with two RPK magazines and assorted ammunition.
Brigadier General Siegfred C. Tubalado, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the information provided by the surrenderers helped foil planned NPA attacks in Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur.
“By locating and seizing these firearms before they could be deployed, we have effectively reduced the NPA’s operational capability in the province. These revelations have allowed us to take preemptive measures, thereby preventing the execution of violent plots and protecting the lives of our people,” Tubalado stressed.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4ID, praised the troops for their accomplishments and underscored the growing impact of localized peace efforts.
“This is another significant blow to the armed capability of the NPA in Northern Mindanao. The surrender of their leaders, followed by the capture of high-powered firearms, is a testament to the growing disillusionment within their ranks and the success of our localized peace engagement efforts. We assure the public that your 4ID will continue to be relentless in our mission to secure communities and offer former rebels a peaceful path forward,” Anayron said.
Authorities said the recovery of the firearms marks a major setback for the NPA in Northern Mindanao and Agusan del Sur, weakening their capacity to carry out hostilities against government troops and civilians.