Philippine Army troops have successfully uncovered two arms caches associated with the New People's Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon, highlighting ongoing efforts to dismantle the insurgency in Mindanao.
The first operation took place on July 4, when soldiers from the 88th Infantry Battalion discovered an abandoned hut in Sitio Matangpatang, Barangay Miglamin, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Inside, they found an M4A1 carbine, a caliber .30 carbine, and several ammunition magazines.
In a follow-up operation on July 13, troops from the 30th and 36th Infantry Battalions uncovered three AK-47 rifles with defaced serial numbers in Sitio Tubakon, Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
Targeting Insurgency Logistics
With the Caraga Region now enjoying stable internal peace and security, this is our final stretch in eliminating the remaining armed threats and achieving lasting peace in this side of the country.
Lt. Col. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4ID Spokesperson
- Four assault rifles recovered
- Hundreds of rounds of ammunition and military equipment found
These operations are part of a broader initiative to disrupt the NPA's logistics network, as noted by Brig. Gen. Seigfred Tubalado and Col. Benjamin Leander, leaders of the 403rd and 401st Infantry Brigades, respectively.
Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, praised the intelligence-driven operations, emphasizing their importance in preventing the resurgence of armed groups in the region.