SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur — Government troops uncovered an arms cache believed to belong to members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) during a security operation in a remote village of San Miguel town on March 11, the military reported.
Soldiers from the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division discovered the hidden war materiel at Sitio Lago in Barangay Carromata while conducting focused military operations aimed at clearing remaining insurgent threats in the Caraga region.
Recovered from the site were an R4 rifle, several magazines and ammunition, a bandolier, backpacks containing personal belongings, and various subversive documents believed to be linked to the armed communist movement.
The operation was conducted by troops under the 401st Infantry Brigade as part of the military’s intensified campaign to dismantle the remaining guerrilla networks operating in northeastern Mindanao.
Lt. Col. Rey Vergel A. Annogui, commanding officer of the 30IB, said the seized weapons and equipment were believed to have been left behind by members of the dismantled NPA unit known as the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland under the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
According to Annogui, the recovery of the firearms and documents represents a major disruption to the operations of remaining insurgent elements in the area.
“This achievement delivers a significant blow to the operational capabilities of the remaining members of the NPA in the area. By depriving them of weapons, ammunition, and critical documents, we are directly disrupting their ability to carry out attacks, recruit members, and plan subversive activities,” Annogui said.
He added that the development could also encourage other NPA members to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law.
“We believe this setback will also encourage other NPA members to surrender, knowing that their operations are being effectively dismantled,” he said.
Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, credited the success of the operation to the cooperation of local residents and former NPA members who provided crucial information to government forces.
Anayron emphasized that community support remains vital in sustaining the government’s campaign to finally end insurgency in the region.
“The cooperation of our communities and former rebels is indispensable in strengthening security and advancing our peace efforts,” he said.
He added that the discovery of the arms cache further weakens the NPA’s remaining foothold in Surigao del Sur and nearby provinces, limiting their capacity to regroup and conduct armed activities.
The 4th Infantry Division assured residents that military operations will continue to ensure the safety and security of communities across the Caraga region while encouraging remaining insurgents to surrender and reintegrate into society.