Troops from the 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion recovered several high-powered firearms and war materiel during intensified security operations conducted March 24, 2026, in Sitio Bato, Barangay Bitaugan, Surigao del Sur authorities said.
According to military reports, the soldiers acted on information provided by former members and supporters of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). The intelligence led to the discovery of an arms cache hidden within the area.
Recovered from the site were a Czech VZ rifle, a Bushmaster Carbine, and a Rock Island Carbine, along with other war materiel.
Brigade Commander Colonel Glenn Joy Aynera commended the unit for the successful recovery and highlighted the importance of cooperation from the local community in weakening insurgent forces.
The recovery operation followed a recent encounter on March 22 in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, where troops from the same battalion engaged suspected CTG members. During that clash, two CTG members were neutralized and additional firearms were seized by government forces.
Military officials said the 401st Infantry Brigade continues to encourage remaining insurgents to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.
