LIANGA, Surigao del Sur — Troops of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) have uncovered a hidden arms cache containing three AK-47 rifles with magazines in the remote hinterlands of Old Decoy, Sitio Panukmuan, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, on January 8, 2026—dealing another blow to the dwindling New People’s Army (NPA) presence in the province.
The discovery was made through a coordinated operation by the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, with support from intelligence units, all under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade. The successful recovery followed actionable information provided by a former NPA member who recently surrendered and voluntarily disclosed the exact location of the weapons cache as part of a commitment to abandon the armed struggle and support peace and security efforts.
Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, Acting Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the seized firearms were believed to be intended for the armed activities of NPA remnants still operating in the area.
“This recovery not only deprives the NPA of high-powered weapons but also underscores the growing erosion of their support base and internal cohesion,” Aynera said. “Each arms cache we recover weakens their capacity to sow violence and intimidation in our communities.”
The operation is the latest in a series of arms recoveries in Surigao del Sur, signaling what military officials describe as the steady collapse of the insurgent group’s operational capability in the province.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said the find is a clear indicator that the NPA’s presence in Surigao del Sur is no longer sustainable.
“The series of arms cache recoveries confirms that the NPA in Surigao del Sur is in a state of collapse. As more members surrender and expose their hidden firearms, their ability to threaten communities continues to diminish,” Anayron said.
He also credited the success to strengthened intelligence collaboration and the growing willingness of former rebels to return to the fold of the law. “This is proof that peace is gaining ground. We encourage remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and choose the path of peace and development,” he added.
Military authorities assured the public that operations will continue to ensure the safety of residents, particularly in geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas, and reiterated their commitment to work with local communities and former rebels in building lasting peace in Surigao del Sur.