NATION

Hidden NPA arms cache recovered

Perseus Echeminada · Sep 5, 2026, 3:18 AM

VARIOUS high-powered weapons and ammunition are displayed after the military discovered hidden arms cache believed to be from members of the New People’s Army at Sitio Katarugan, Surigao del Sur. — PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of 30IB

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Troops from the Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion recovered a hidden New People’s Army (NPA) arms cache in Surigao del Sur province on Thursday, military officials reported Friday.

Soldiers discovered the weapons hidden by NPA remnants near Signalnan in Sitio Katarugan, Barangay Lobo, Cantilan town.

Lt. Col. Rey Vergel Annogui, commander of the 30th Infantry Battalion, said the seized items included an M14 rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, five 20-round magazines, 32 rounds of .30-caliber ammunition, and 89 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.

Military officials said the recovery further weakens the operational capability of insurgent remnants to conduct armed activities and helps prevent a resurgence of conflict in previously affected communities.

“This successful recovery demonstrates our troops’ unwavering commitment to protecting communities and sustaining the gains we have achieved in our areas of responsibility,” Annogui said in a statement.

He added that the battalion will continue efforts to keep insurgent weapons from threatening residents and urged local communities to stay vigilant and maintain cooperation with security forces.