Joint troops from the Philippine Army’s 83rd Infantry Battalion and 2nd Infantry Battalion recovered 13 high-powered firearms, including one M60 machine gun and 12 M16 rifles, during an operation in the mountainous area of Barangay Guibahoy, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur.
The seizure took place at around 6 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2026. Military officials said the recovered weapons are believed to belong to remnants of the Communist NPA Terrorists operating under the Bicol Regional Party Committee.
Aside from the firearms, troops also recovered assorted war materiel, including M16 and AK-47 ammunition, magazines, bandoliers, and two improvised explosive devices.
The Army said the latest recovery is connected to earlier operations in the same area. On Dec. 20, 2025, four M16 rifles were discovered in Barangay Pinamihagan. Days later, on Dec. 23, 2025, an encounter in Barangay Burabod, Lagonoy resulted in the neutralization of five CNT members.
Lt. Col. Randy Eloreta, commanding officer of the 83rd Infantry Battalion, said the seizure indicates that only a few CNT elements remain in the area and that they no longer have the capability to recruit new members.
Brig. Gen. Emil Cruz, commander of the 901st Brigade, highlighted the importance of strong inter-agency cooperation in addressing insurgency concerns.
Cruz added that sustained delivery of government services and development projects plays a key role in preventing the return of the CPP-NPA and countering their propaganda in local communities.
Military operations in the Bicol region continue as authorities pursue remaining armed elements and work to maintain security in remote areas.
