Military Recovers 7 High-Powered Firearms from NPA Rebels in Caraga

The Philippine military's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) announced the recovery of seven high-powered firearms, allegedly belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA), during focused military operations over the weekend in the Caraga Region. On Saturday, July 18, combined forces from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) under the 401st Infantry Brigade and the 67th Infantry Battalion under the 10th Infantry Division seized six firearms in Barangay Kolambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. The operation was driven by intelligence from former NPA members and sustained military presence in the area. Simultaneously, another team from the 3SFBn, working with the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), confiscated one M16 rifle, two anti-personnel improvised explosive devices (IEDs), magazines, and ammunition in Barangay Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, 4ID commander, commended the joint troops, emphasizing that although “all units of the communist guerrillas have been dismantled,” the military will sustain operations to prevent any resurgence. The military has classified the Caraga Region as having a “stable internal peace and security” status.