BUTUAN CITY – Troops of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) seized seven high-powered firearms, two anti-personnel improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and assorted war materiel during separate focused military operations in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur on Saturday, July 18, reinforcing efforts to preserve the gains of the recently declared Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status in the Caraga Region.
The operations were carried out as part of the military’s sustained security campaign aimed at preventing any resurgence of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) despite the region’s declaration under SIPS.
In Barangay Kolambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, combined elements of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) under the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4ID, and the 67th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division successfully recovered six high-powered firearms following intelligence information provided by former rebels and continuous military operations in the area.
Recovered during the operation were:
- Two (2) M16 rifles;
- Two (2) AK-47 rifles;
- One (1) M1 Garand rifle; and
- One (1) homemade shotgun.
Military officials said the recovery stemmed from intelligence gathered through the cooperation of former communist rebels and local communities, highlighting the continuing impact of the government’s peace and reconciliation initiatives.
In a separate operation conducted on the same day in Barangay Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, another team from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, together with troops from the 36th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police (PNP), recovered one M16 rifle, two anti-personnel IEDs, magazines, and assorted ammunition.
The seizure of the explosive devices is considered significant, as IEDs have long been among the primary weapons used by communist insurgents in attacks against government forces and civilian targets.
Brig. Gen. Benjamin L. Leander, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the successful operations underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military operations and the increasing cooperation of local communities in supporting the government’s peace and security efforts.
“This accomplishment reflects the strong collaboration between our troops and peace-loving communities in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur. Every firearm captured denies the CTG the means to sow violence and threaten the safety of our people,” Leander said.
For his part, Major General Marion T. Angcao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, commended the operating troops and emphasized that the latest accomplishments are crucial in sustaining peace and development throughout Caraga.
He stressed that while all CTG units in the region have already been dismantled and Caraga has been declared under Stable Internal Peace and Security status, military operations will continue to ensure that insurgent groups will no longer regain a foothold in the region.
“The capture of these firearms is a testament to the relentless efforts of our soldiers and the invaluable cooperation of our stakeholders and communities. Although we had dismantled all CTG units and declared the entire Caraga under the SIPS status, our mission does not end there. We will sustain our focused military operations and together, we will safeguard the gains of SIPS for the benefit of every Caraganon, and prevent any resurgence of the CTG,” Angcao said.
The 4th Infantry Division reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining focused military operations, strengthening intelligence networks, and working closely with local government units, law enforcement agencies, former rebels, and communities to ensure that the hard-earned peace in Caraga remains intact.
Military officials likewise encouraged the public to continue reporting suspicious activities and the presence of abandoned firearms or explosives, emphasizing that community participation remains a key factor in maintaining lasting peace and security across the region.