Government troops recovered an arms cache allegedly belonging to New People’s Army rebels in Buenavista, Quezon, following information provided by a former member, the Philippine military reported Sunday.

According to the 201st Infantry (Kabalikat) Brigade, troops from the 85th Infantry (Sandiwa) Battalion, in coordination with the Philippine National Police in Quezon, acted on the tip and located the buried firearms at the boundary of Barangay San Isidro Ilaya and Barangay Rizal.

Recovered from the site were three M16 rifles and two M203 grenade launchers.

Military reports said the firearms were concealed after a series of armed encounters in Barangay Pansoy, San Andres, Quezon, and Barangay Huyon-Huyon, San Francisco, Quezon in January 2023.

During their withdrawal, the group allegedly reached Buenavista, where they buried two M16 rifles with attached M203 grenade launchers after running out of ammunition and abandoned another M16 rifle to hasten their escape.

The informant also disclosed that intensified military operations and gunshot wounds sustained by some members compelled them to leave the weapons behind.

201st Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Francis Carandang described the recovery as a significant development in efforts to secure vulnerable areas in Quezon province.

“This recovery directly strengthens our security posture in Buenavista and nearby municipalities. The information provided by the former rebel reflects the growing trust in government forces and the continuing erosion of the terrorist group’s presence in our area of operations. We remain committed to ensuring that communities in Quezon are protected from any remaining threats,” Carandang said.

Meanwhile, 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division commander Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala underscored the broader impact of the recovery on the military’s anti-insurgency campaign.

“The continued discovery of concealed firearms confirms that sustained, focused operations are producing long-term results. Every recovered weapon represents one less instrument of violence that could be used against our people. We call on the remaining members of the armed movement to surrender and choose a lawful and peaceful path. The 2nd Infantry Division remains resolute in dismantling the remnants of terrorist groups and safeguarding communities across Southern Tagalog,” Zagala said.

Security and clearing operations remain ongoing in the area to prevent the retrieval of hidden weapons and ensure the safety of nearby communities.