Joint operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recovered a cache of high-powered firearms and explosives during a recent intelligence-driven operation in Barangay Exciban, Labo, Camarines Norte 

Acting PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said authorities seized 15 M16A1 rifles, one M14 rifle, two M653 rifles, a shotgun, and three improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“The confiscation of these high-powered guns is a big boost to our efforts to account for loose firearms in the country. Just imagine if these firearms would fall into wrong hands,” he stressed. 

Nartatez said the operation was carried out on 17 December following validated intelligence and was the result of close coordination between police and military units.

Authorities are now conducting follow-up investigations to identify individuals responsible for the weapons cache. 

Nartatez said criminal charges are being prepared against those who may be held liable.

“I commend both the police and military personnel behind this successful operation. This is a product of an intelligence-driven operation and efficient interoperability with our counterparts in the AFP,” he added. 

Nartatez said the operation forms part of the PNP’s ongoing campaign against loose firearms and illegal weapons, particularly ahead of the holiday season.

Following the discovery, the PNP deployed additional personnel in the area to conduct checkpoints and patrols as a precautionary measure.

The recovered firearms and explosives are now in police custody for documentation and further investigation.