IMPASUG-ONG, Bukidnon — Government troops operating in the mountainous terrain of Bukidnon have recovered high-powered firearms believed to have been abandoned by remnants of communist insurgent groups, in what military officials described as a significant gain in ongoing security operations in Northern Mindanao.
The operation, conducted on March 15, 2026, was led by troops from the 1st Special Forces Battalion under the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army. Acting on intelligence provided by a former supporter of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), soldiers were guided to a remote area in Sitio Ananaso, Barangay Kalabugao, where the hidden cache was discovered.
Recovered from the site were two fully serviceable high-powered firearms: a caliber 5.56mm Elisco M16A1 rifle with a defaced serial number, and a caliber 5.56mm Elisco M653 carbine bearing serial number RP254466. The weapons were immediately secured and transported to the headquarters of the 1st Special Forces Battalion for proper documentation and disposition.
Military officials said the discovery indicates that fleeing communist terrorist group (CTG) members deliberately abandoned the firearms while evading sustained government offensives in the area. The retrieval of the weapons is expected to further weaken the operational capability of insurgent remnants in Bukidnon.
Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, emphasized the critical role of civilian cooperation in the success of the operation.
“The success of this operation underscores the crucial role of community support and the cooperation of former CTG-affiliated individuals who have chosen to return to the fold of the law,” Tubalado said. “The intelligence provided also confirmed that these firearms were deliberately abandoned by fleeing CTG members while evading government forces.”
The 403rd Brigade reiterated its commitment to intensify focused military operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks, while ensuring the safety of communities across Bukidnon and nearby provinces. At the same time, the military renewed its call for remaining rebels to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s peace and reintegration programs.
Authorities noted that continued collaboration between local communities, former rebel supporters, and security forces remains key to sustaining peace and stability in previously conflict-affected areas.