SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur – Government troops have recovered three high-powered firearms believed to have been hidden by remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in a remote mountainous area of Surigao del Sur, marking another significant milestone in the military’s continuing campaign to eliminate the remaining remnants of the insurgency in the CARAGA Region.
The successful recovery operation was carried out on July 13, 2026, by joint troops from the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) and the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) in the mountainous area of Sitio Tubakon, Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
According to the Philippine Army, the operation was made possible through credible information voluntarily provided by former CTG members who have surrendered and returned to the government’s fold under its peace and reintegration initiatives. Acting on the intelligence, soldiers immediately conducted a focused operation that led to the discovery and excavation of the buried cache of high-powered firearms.
Military officials said the recovery highlights the growing cooperation between former rebels, local communities, and government forces in ensuring that weapons previously used in armed conflict are removed from circulation and can no longer be used to threaten peace and public safety.
The operation forms part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ continuing efforts to consolidate the gains achieved following the declaration of the CARAGA Region under Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) on June 18, 2026.
Although authorities have declared that the organized armed capability of the Communist Terrorist Group in the region has already been dismantled, the Philippine Army emphasized that security operations remain ongoing to locate hidden arms caches, prevent any attempt by insurgent remnants to reorganize, and eliminate potential security risks that could endanger communities.
Military officials noted that the recovery of abandoned or concealed firearms is crucial in preventing these weapons from falling into the hands of criminal groups or individuals who may exploit them for illegal activities.
30th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Rey Vergel A. Annogui stressed that the operation demonstrates the important role former rebels now play in sustaining the region’s hard-earned peace.
“Every recovered firearm denies the enemy any opportunity to rebuild its armed capability and reinforces our collective efforts toward lasting peace and development in the CARAGA Region,” Annogui said.
He also underscored that the cooperation of former insurgents reflects the effectiveness of the government’s peace-building and reintegration programs, which encourage former members of the armed movement to abandon violence and contribute to community development instead.
The Philippine Army reiterated its appeal for the public to continue supporting peace and security efforts by reporting the presence of hidden firearms, explosives, or suspicious activities to authorities.
Officials emphasized that community participation remains a vital component in preserving the peace achieved after decades of insurgency, adding that every recovered weapon reduces the possibility of renewed violence and strengthens the region’s path toward stability, development, and economic progress.
The Army likewise reaffirmed its commitment to protecting communities across CARAGA by sustaining intelligence-driven operations, strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders, and ensuring that the gains of the government’s counterinsurgency campaign remain permanent.