CAGAYAN — Law enforcers uncovered a cache of firearms, explosives and ammunition believed to have been hidden by alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) at a former rebel hideout in Sitio Llaga, Barangay Mabuno, Gattaran, Cagayan.

Authorities said the intelligence-driven operation prevented the group from regaining access to weapons that could have been used in future armed activities in the region. The operation was launched after a former rebel returnee provided information on the location of the hidden cache in the mountainous area.

The recovery operation was led by the Police Regional Office 2 through the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company, with support from the Gattaran Municipal Police Station, the Cagayan Provincial Explosives and Canine Unit, the Police Intelligence Team Cagayan North, the Regional Intelligence Unit 2, and the 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division.

Police said the secluded area had previously served as a mobility corridor, transit route and temporary hideout for the NPA because of its rugged terrain, dense vegetation and limited accessibility. Investigators believe the weapons were concealed for future retrieval by remaining rebel members to support armed operations and other illegal activities.

Recovered from the site were three M76 high-explosive rifle grenades, four 40mm high-explosive rounds, seven 12-gauge shotgun shells, 20 rounds of 7.62mm linked ammunition, 134 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and two non-electric blasting caps.

Authorities also recovered two caliber .38 revolvers, an improvised shotgun, assorted firearm magazines and a 12-volt wet-cell battery wrapped in black plastic sheets and concealed inside sacks.

All recovered items were inventoried, marked and photographed before being turned over to the proper custodial units for disposition.

PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said every recovered firearm and explosive deprives threat groups of the means to carry out violence and undermine community peace.

He said the Philippine National Police will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to protect communities and safeguard national security.

“We will not allow these hidden weapons to be used again to spread fear and violence,” Nartatez said. “We remain committed to strengthening our security operations across the country.”