A tip from a local resident led Philippine Army soldiers to a cache of firearms and improvised explosive devices hidden in Oriental Mindoro province, military officials said Friday.

Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Battalion deployed to the area after a resident of Barangay Benli reported the location of weapons concealed by communist rebels, according to the 203rd Infantry Brigade.

Troops recovered an M16 rifle, a homemade shotgun, an anti-tank mine, and an anti-personnel mine.

Brig. Gen. Melencio Ragudo, commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, said the discovery highlights growing local confidence in government forces and a collective desire to protect communities from rebel threats.

“This accomplishment reflects the strong partnership among the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, local government units, and the people of Mindoro,” Ragudo said.

“The close coordination among these stakeholders continues to create an environment where communities are empowered to reject violence and actively contribute to lasting peace,” he added.

Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, emphasized that public cooperation directly saves lives.

“Every firearm recovered and every explosive rendered safe eliminate threats in our communities,” Zagala said. “It is proof that when citizens and government work together, we can deny terrorist groups the means to sow fear and violence.”

Zagala urged the public to continue reporting abandoned firearms, explosives, or suspicious activity to security forces.