Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija — A weapons cache was found by the Philippine Army during a strike operation in the mountainous area of Barangay Sawmill of this town on Sunday.

The strike operation was spearheaded by the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army which led to the discovery of a hidden weapons cache believed to belong to the remnants of the dismantled Komiteng Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Sierra Madre.

Authorities said that the operation was made possible through intelligence provided by a former rebel.

Acting swiftly on credible information, troops, in coordination with intelligence operatives, executed a meticulously planned scouring operation. Their efforts led to the retrieval of multiple war material, significantly disrupting potential threats to regional security.

Among the items recovered were one M16 rifle with serial number RP168527, one .38 caliber pistol, seventeen spent 5.56 bullet casings, nine rounds of live 5.56 mm ammunition, one high-explosive hand grenade, and two magazines.

Military officials hailed the operation as a substantial blow to the remaining elements of Komiteng Rehiyon Gitnang Luzon (KRGL), stressing its commitment to neutralizing insurgent threats and ensuring stability in the region.

Following this success, the military reiterated its call for remaining insurgents to surrender and take advantage of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

This government initiative provides financial assistance, livelihood programs, and reintegration support to facilitate former rebels’ return to mainstream society.

Colonel Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, Commander of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, lauded the efforts of the troops, stressing their dedication and professionalism in maintaining peace and order.

“This operation reflects our steadfast commitment to eradicating insurgency and protecting the Filipino people. Through collaboration with local communities and former rebels, we aim to pave the way for sustainable peace and progress,” Osias said.

Troops continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could pose a threat to peace and security.