Law enforcement authorities recovered 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) in a remote area of Gattaran, Cagayan.

The cache was discovered in Sitio Llaga, Barangay Mabuno following an intelligence-driven operation launched after authorities verified information provided by a former rebel returnee.

The 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, Cagayan Provincial Explosives and Canine Unit, Police Intelligence Team Cagayan North, Regional Intelligence Unit 2, and the 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division.

Police said the secluded site previously served as a mobility corridor, transit route and temporary concealment area for alleged NPA members because of its rugged terrain, dense vegetation and limited accessibility. Investigators believe the weapons were intended for future retrieval to support armed operations.

Recovered from the site were three M76 high-explosive rifle grenades, four 40 mm high-explosive rounds, seven 12-gauge shotgun shells, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm linked ammunition, 134 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, two non-electric blasting caps, two caliber .38 revolvers, an improvised shotgun, firearm magazines and a 12-volt wet cell battery wrapped in plastic.

Police said all recovered items were inventoried, documented and turned over to custodial units for proper handling.

Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said every recovered firearm and explosive denies threat groups the means to carry out violence and undermine community peace.

He said the Philippine National Police will continue intelligence-driven operations to prevent armed groups from accessing hidden weapons and to strengthen security efforts nationwide.