Army, police seize biggest rebel arms cache in Bicol

Troops from the 42nd Infantry (Tagapagtanggol) Battalion of the 9th Infantry Division, together with the 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion and the Philippine National Police, conducted two intelligence-driven operations that led to the seizure of what the military said was the biggest rebel arms cache in the Bicol region.

According to the 9th Infantry Division, a total of 45 high-powered firearms, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition and magazines, were recovered in Barangay Exciban, Labo, Camarines Norte following operations conducted on 16 and 17 December.

The first operation uncovered a concealed cache containing 26 M14 rifles, 2,245 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 15 M14 magazines, and 41 M16 magazines. The military said the operation highlighted effective intelligence-driven coordination among Army units and the PNP, including the Camarines Norte 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and the 91st Special Action Company.

In a follow-up operation about five kilometers from the initial site, troops discovered another cache containing 15 M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, two M653 rifles, and a shotgun. With the latest recovery, authorities have seized a total of 45 high-powered firearms, while clearing operations in the area continue.

“This successful recovery is the result of intelligence-driven and joint operations among our Army units and partner law enforcement agencies,” said 9th Infantry Division Commander Major General Aldwine I. Almase.

The 9th Infantry Division said the recovery reflects the continuing decline of the operational capability of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army, noting that sustained military pressure, surrenders, arrests, and the neutralization of members have forced armed groups to conceal weapons to avoid detection.

“The seizure of these firearms eliminates a serious threat to the lives and properties of our communities,” Almase added.

The division reiterated its call for remaining CPP-NPA members to abandon the armed struggle and participate in government programs that support peaceful reintegration. Almase also assured the public that operations will continue to ensure community safety, especially during the holiday season.