15/06/2026
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Troops of the 30th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion all under the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division successfully unearthed an arms cache of the New People's Army (NPA) in the vicinity of Mt. Ararat, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on June 9, 2026, through information provided by a former rebel.
Acting on the information, operating troops launched an operation leading to the arms cache where an M16 rifle with two magazines were captured. The FR also revealed that he personally buried the firearm sometime in 2022.
Lieutenant Colonel Rey Vergel A. Annogui, Commanding Officer of 30IB, emphasized the significance of this development in further weakening the armed capabilities of the NPA in the area.
"The successful recovery of this arms cache highlights the invaluable contribution of former rebels who have chosen to return to the folds of the law. Their cooperation enables our troops to locate hidden war materiel and prevent these weapons from being used to threaten communities and government forces. This accomplishment further demonstrates the effectiveness of our sustained peace and security operations in Agusan del Sur," he said.
The operation forms part of the Division's continuing efforts to fully destroy the NPA and support the government's whole-of-nation approach in attaining lasting peace and development in conflict-affected communities.
Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of 4ID commended the operating troops for the successful operation and highlighted the significant gains achieved in the campaign against the NPA. He noted that the remaining NPA members in the region have already surrendered or have been rendered ineffective, bringing the region closer to the declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS).
"This accomplishment is another testament to the dwindling capability of the NPA in Northeastern Mindanao. We commend the former rebel for his courage and trust in the government, which contributed significantly to this success. With the surrender of the remaining NPA members in the region and the continued support of our stakeholders and communities, the SIPS status will soon be declared throughout Caraga region. We encourage those who may still be influenced by the communist terrorist ideology to abandon armed struggle, return to the folds of the law, and avail themselves of the government's reintegration programs," he stated.
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