PARANAS, Samar — Government troops dealt another blow to the communist New People’s Army (NPA) after uncovering a hidden cache of weapons during an operation on 17 February in Barangay Sto. Niño, Paranas, Samar.

The 46th Infantry “Peacemakers” Battalion (46IB) reported that the seized war materials included M16 upper receivers, an M79 grenade launcher, improvised explosives, hand grenades, and other armaments — information that came from local community members.

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

He added that the seizure of high-powered weapon components, explosives and other subversive materials will significantly weaken the operational capability of the Browser group of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, which is active 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,” Inocencio said.

According to the officer, the seized arms were intended for future hostile and terroristic activities against government forces and civilian communities.

He assured the public that the Philippine Army, in coordination with local government units and other stakeholders, will continue to intensify focused military operations while promoting peace and development initiatives aimed at dismantling remaining communist support networks in Eastern Visayas.