CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Troops of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division recovered a cache of high-powered firearms and war materiel believed to belong to retreating New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas during an operation in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

The cache was discovered at Sitio Lago, Barangay Carromata, during an operation conducted by soldiers of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) under the 401st Infantry Brigade.

Lt. Col. Rey Vergel Annogui, commanding officer of 30IB, said the seized items included an R4 rifle, ammunition and magazines, a bandolier, backpacks containing personal belongings, and subversive documents.

Annogui said the discovery forms part of the 4th Infantry Division’s intensified operations aimed at neutralizing remaining insurgent threats and ensuring the safety of communities in the Caraga region.

The rebels are believed to be members of the dismantled SRSDG Westland unit of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“This achievement delivers a significant blow to the operational capabilities of the remaining members of the NPA in the area. By depriving them of weapons, ammunition, and critical documents, we are directly disrupting their ability to carry out attacks, recruit members, and plan subversive activities,” Annogui said.

“We believe this setback will also encourage other NPA members to surrender and return to the folds of the law, knowing that their operations are being effectively dismantled,” he added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, credited the success of the operation to the cooperation of local communities and former NPA members who provided information to the military.

He said their support remains crucial in strengthening security and advancing government efforts to end insurgency in the region.

Anayron added that the discovery of the arms cache weakens the NPA’s foothold and limits their ability to operate in Surigao del Sur and neighboring provinces.