GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur — The Philippine Army recovered an armed cache containing firearms, hand grenades, communication equipment and suspected explosive-related materials during an operation in Barangay Dalapan, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, on October 6, 2026.
The recovery was carried out by troops of the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion, 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army, at Purok 3 of the barangay.
According to the Army, the location of the cache was disclosed during the continuing custodial debriefing of Florencio T. Sayamba, also known as “Jay-R,” “Bebot” or “Rico.”
Sayamba was identified by the military as a former commanding officer of a Yunit Militia of the defunct GF KARA, WMRPC. He was apprehended by 53IB troops during pursuit operations at Purok 5, Barangay Ocapan, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur, on June 18, 2026.
He is currently under the custody of the Pagadian City Jail in Lenienza, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, according to the information provided by the Army.
Firearms, grenades and communications equipment recovered
The armed cache contained several firearms and other items that authorities said were considered war materiel.
Among the items recovered were:
- One carbine rifle;
- One Ingram firearm;
- One .38-caliber revolver;
- Two hand grenades;
- One commercial radio with four antennas; and
- Approximately 20 meters of detonating cord or stick wire.
The recovery of the materials adds to the Army’s continuing efforts to locate and secure firearms and other war materiel believed to remain in the possession of former members or components of armed groups in the area.
The recovered firearms and other war materiel were subsequently turned over to Headquarters, 53IB, for proper disposition and safekeeping.
Part of continuing security operations
The Army said the recovery underscores its continuing efforts to secure remaining firearms and war materiel in communities across Zamboanga del Sur.
Such recoveries are significant to local security operations because unsecured firearms and explosive-related materials can pose risks to communities and may potentially be used in future violent incidents if they remain outside government custody.
The latest operation also highlights the role of custodial debriefing and follow-up security operations in identifying the locations of weapons and other materials that may have been concealed or left behind.
Authorities did not provide additional details on the intended use of the recovered items or whether the cache had been recently accessed.
The recovered firearms and war materiel will remain under military custody for proper documentation, disposition and safekeeping.
The 53IB said the operation forms part of its broader mandate to help maintain peace and security and prevent the remaining firearms and war materiel from being used to threaten communities in Zamboanga del Sur.