Villagers were instrumental in the Army’s prompt confiscation of the hidden firearms of New People’s Army guerrillas over the weekend. (Contributed Photo)
COTABATO CITY — The Philippine Army has recovered a cache of firearms abandoned by New People’s Army (NPA) fighters in Surigao del Sur, an official said, crediting civilian informants and local officials for the successful operations.
“We are grateful for the continued support of residents and local government units,” said Colonel Glenn Joy Aynera, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, as he confirmed the recovery of the weapons in separate operations in San Miguel and Marihatag towns.
In San Miguel, soldiers from the 36th Infantry Battalion, working with villagers, uncovered over the weekend a 7.62 Czech VZ rifle and two 5.56 Bushmaster carbines concealed under soil and dry leaves in Barangay Bitaugan.
Local executives said residents led the troops to the exact location where the retreating NPA fighters, following recent clashes with the government forces, had left behind.
A similar joint operation in Marihatag led to the discovery of more buried weapons.
Troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion, alongside community leaders, dug up a 5.56 M16 rifle, a 7.62 M14 rifle, and a barrel of a 7.62 M60 machine gun in a forested area in Barangay San Isidro on Saturday.
Aynera said the recovered firearms are now in military custody. He stressed that civilian cooperation continues to play an important role in sustaining gains against insurgents.
The military said the finds reflect a diminishing NPA presence in parts of Surigao del Sur, where the group once maintained strongholds and imposed coercive systems on communities, including forced collection of money and food.
The 4th Infantry Division earlier reported that at least 381 NPA members have surrendered to units under the 401st Infantry Brigade over the past two years. It attributed the development to coordinated efforts between the military, local governments, and peace advocacy groups.
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