Government troops discovered high-caliber firearms and the body of a suspected New People’s Army fighter in a mountainous area of Barangay San Sebastian, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur on Feb. 5, 2026, the Philippine Army said.
The 83rd Infantry Battalion, operating under the 901st Infantry Brigade and working with the Lagonoy municipal police, recovered an M16 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, three magazines and an improvised landmine at the site. Authorities said the remains were believed to be of a Communist NPA Terrorist, but identification was still underway.
Military officials linked the discovery to an earlier encounter in the same municipality on Dec. 23, 2025. Five suspected rebels were reported killed in that clash, and several firearms were seized, according to the Army.
Lt. Col. Randy Eloreta, commanding officer of the 83rd Infantry Battalion, commended residents who provided information that led to the operation. He said community cooperation helped authorities locate the site where the weapons and body were found.
Brig. Gen. Cruz, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, said the incident reflected what he described as a lack of concern among insurgents for their fellow fighters. He said military operations against communist terrorist groups would continue.
Cruz also renewed calls for remaining rebels to surrender and return to what he described as a peaceful and democratic way of life with their families.
The Philippine Army and local police said they would continue efforts to confirm the identity of the slain fighter and secure the area as part of ongoing security operations in Camarines Sur.
