Army Uncovers Two NPA Arms Caches in Surigao, Bukidnon

Government troops recovered high-powered firearms and ammunition from two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) arms caches in Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon, dealing what the Army described as another blow to the dwindling communist insurgency in Northeastern Mindanao. The recoveries, made in separate operations this month, yielded four assault rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, magazines, and other military equipment believed to have been hidden by communist rebels. The latest cache was uncovered on July 13, when joint forces from the 30th and 36th Infantry Battalions recovered three AK-47 rifles with defaced serial numbers in Sitio Tubakon, Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. The operation was launched after troops received intelligence reports about hidden firearms allegedly belonging to members of the New People’s Army. Earlier, on July 4, troops from the 88th Infantry Battalion discovered an abandoned hut in Sitio Matangpatang, Barangay Miglamin, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Soldiers recovered an M4A1 carbine, a caliber .30 carbine, ammunition magazines, 138 rounds of 5.56-mm ammunition, 48 rounds of caliber .30 ammunition, and two military backpacks. Lt. Col. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the recovery of the hidden stockpiles deprives communist rebels of weapons and helps safeguard nearby communities. “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,” Martinez told the Inquirer. Brig. Gen. Seigfred Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, and Col. Benjamin Leander, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the operations disrupted the armed group’s logistics network by preventing the recovery and reuse of the hidden weapons. Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, commended the operating troops, saying sustained intelligence-driven operations remain crucial in preventing the resurgence of armed groups and preserving peace in Northeastern Mindanao.