In a significant blow to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), Philippine Army troops from the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division seized multiple firearms, a mortar weapon, and other war materiel in Caraga over the weekend. This operation followed several recent surrenders by members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) and the discovery of hidden arms caches.
Acting on tips from former CTG members, soldiers from the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, under the 401st Infantry Brigade, located two arms caches on November 8 and 9. The stockpiles were found in Sitio Panukmoan, Brgy. Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, specifically in areas known as Old Marang and Old Decoy.
Brigadier General Francisco F. Lorenzo Jr., Commander of the 401st Brigade, confirmed the arms included a .50 caliber sniper rifle, a 60mm mortar, a .30 caliber Browning machine gun, magazines, and numerous rounds of live ammunition. “This seizure follows recent CTG surrenders. These weapons were intended for attacks, especially in vulnerable areas within our area of responsibility,” Lorenzo stated.
The discovery is a continuation of a major anti-insurgency operation launched in September, which has led to multiple surrenders and significant setbacks for the CTG. “With help from former members, we are dismantling their plans one cache at a time,” added Lorenzo.
Authorities see the successful seizure of these arms as a milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the CTG’s presence in the region.
