By Alexander Lopez

RECOVERED FIREARMS. Troops of the 30th Infantry Battalion seized two high-powered rifles and assorted ammunition concealed by New People’s Army remnants during an operation on Thursday (Sept. 3, 2026) in Sitio Katarugan, Barangay Lobo, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. The recovery is expected to further weaken the rebels’ ability to mount armed activities in the area. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Army troopers from the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) recovered firearms and ammunition hidden by remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) during an operation Thursday in Barangay Lobo, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

The cache included an M14 rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, five 20-round detachable box magazines, 32 rounds of .30-caliber ammunition, and 89 rounds of 7.62×51 mm ammunition.

In a statement on Friday, 30IB commander Lt. Col. Rey Vergel Annogui stressed that the recovery further weakens the capability of NPA remnants to conduct armed activities.

He said the seizure also helps prevent the resurgence of armed conflict in previously affected communities in Cantilan and across Surigao del Sur.

“This successful recovery demonstrates our troops’ unwavering commitment to protecting communities and sustaining the gains we have achieved in our areas of responsibility,” Annogui said.

He added that 30IB will continue efforts to keep NPA weapons from being used to threaten residents and disrupt peace in the province.

“We also call on our communities to remain vigilant and continue working with us in building a safer, more peaceful, and progressive Surigao,” Annogui said. (PNA)