Army seizes 7 high-powered guns

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Government troops recovered seven high-powered firearms and two anti-personnel improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in separate operations in the Caraga region on Saturday, as the military continues security efforts to preserve the area's recently declared Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status.

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Leander, commander of the Army's 401st Infantry Brigade, said combined troops from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under the 401st Brigade and the 67th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division recovered six high-powered firearms in Barangay Kolambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. The operation was launched based on intelligence provided by former rebels and sustained military operations in the area.

Seized were two M16 rifles, two AK-47 rifles, one M1 Garand rifle, and one homemade shotgun.

In a separate operation the same day, troops from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, the 36th Infantry Battalion, and the Philippine National Police recovered another M16 rifle, two anti-personnel IEDs, magazines, and ammunition in Barangay Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Leander said the recoveries highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the growing cooperation of local communities in the government's peace and security campaign.