PARANAS, Samar — The communist New People’s Army (NPA) suffered another setback after government troops uncovered its stashed armaments during an operation on 17 February 2026 in the vicinity of Barangay Sto. Niño, Paranas, Samar.

The 46th Infantry “Peacemakers” Battalion (46IB) said the war materials — consisting of M16 upper receivers, an M79 grenade launcher, improvised explosive materials, hand grenades and other war materiel — were located following information provided by community members.

Lt. Col. Marvin Inocencio, commanding officer of the 46IB, said the arms cache was recovered during a focused combat and search operation conducted by troops of the battalion’s Bravo Company.

Inocencio said the seizure of assorted high-powered weapon components, explosives and subversive materials will significantly degrade the operational capability of the Browser group of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee operating in the area.

“The recovery of these weapons denies terrorist groups the means to threaten our people and reinforces our collective commitment to lasting peace and development in Samar,” he said.

Inocencio added that the recovered items were intended for future hostile and terroristic activities against government forces and civilian communities.

He assured the public that the Philippine Army, in partnership with local government units and other stakeholders, will continue to intensify focused military operations while advancing peace and development initiatives to dismantle the remaining communist support structures in Eastern Visayas.