Police recovered a cache of firearms, explosives, ammunition, and other war materiel allegedly hidden by the Communist Terrorist Group in a former mountain hideout in Gattaran, Cagayan on July 2.
The Philippine National Police said the weapons cache was discovered in Sitio Llaga, Barangay Mabuno during an intelligence-driven operation launched after authorities verified information from a former rebel returnee.
The operation was carried out by Police Regional Office 2 through the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company, with support from the Gattaran Municipal Police Station, Cagayan Provincial Explosives and Canine Unit, Police Intelligence Team Cagayan North, Regional Intelligence Unit 2, and the Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion.
According to the PNP, validation showed that the remote area had previously served as a mobility corridor, transit route, and temporary concealment site of the CTG due to its rugged terrain, dense vegetation, and limited accessibility.
Authorities believe the war materiel had been stored for possible retrieval by remaining CTG members to support armed operations and other unlawful activities.
Recovered from the site were rifle grenades, 40mm explosive rounds, shotgun shells, linked ammunition, 5.56mm rounds, blasting caps, caliber .38 ammunition and shell casings, two caliber .38 revolvers, an improvised shotgun with magazine, M16 magazines, an extended caliber .45 magazine, and a 12-volt battery.
Police said the items were wrapped in black plastic sheets and placed inside sacks. They were inventoried, marked, photographed, and turned over to the appropriate custodial units for proper handling and disposition.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the recovery denied threat groups access to weapons that could be used to carry out violence.
“Every recovered weapon and explosive denies threat groups the means to carry out violence and undermine peace. We will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations to protect our communities and safeguard national security,” Nartatez said.
“Hindi natin hahayaang magamit muli ang mga nakatagong armas at eksplosibo sa paghahasik ng takot at karahasan. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating mga operasyon,” he added.
The PNP said it will continue intelligence-driven operations to locate hidden war materiel, prevent the resurgence of threat groups, and strengthen internal security.