Joint government forces discovered firearms, an illegal landmine and the abandoned body of a suspected New People’s Army member in Barangay San Sebastian, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur authorities said.
The recovery operation was conducted by troops from the 83rd Infantry Battalion and personnel of the Philippine National Police. According to the report, the unidentified individual was allegedly left behind by companions following an encounter with security forces.
Recovered from the site were an M16 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, three magazines and a prohibited landmine. Authorities said the discovery was the result of continued coordination among the military, police and residents in the area.
The operation was carried out as a follow-up to an earlier encounter on Dec. 23, 2025, in Lagonoy, where five suspected NPA members were reported killed and several firearms were recovered.
Officials said the identity of the recovered body has yet to be confirmed. Security forces are continuing follow-up operations to locate other suspected members of the group and prevent further armed activity in the province.
Authorities said coordination between local residents and security forces played a role in locating the site and recovering the weapons. They added that efforts are ongoing to maintain peace and security in Camarines Sur following the earlier clash.
The military and police did not release additional details about the encounter or the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the body. Investigation and verification procedures remain underway as authorities seek to identify the individual and determine the group’s movements in the area.
Follow-up security operations remain active as officials monitor the situation in Lagonoy and nearby communities.
