TROOPS of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) discovered a cave in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte allegedly used as hideout and a hospital by the New People's Army (NPA) on February 27.
Recovered from the hideout were two Garand rifles and several vials of medicines. The cave is suspected to be used as hospital where the NPAs allegedly perform operations "as manifested by the kind of medicines found in the area", the army said.
The troops of 23IB were conducting security patrol in response to reports from concerned civilians on the location and activities of the NPA.
While the troops were moving towards the said location, they discovered a cave, with an estimated area of 40x30 meters which can accommodate 15 persons.
After scouring the cave, the government troops recovered two Garand Rifles, 90 pieces of medicine, and several subversive documents.
Lieutenant Colonel Francisco L. Molina Jr., commanding officer of 23IB, meanwhile urged citizens to continue to report suspicious individuals and activities in their area.
"We express our gratitude to the concerned citizens for providing information regarding the suspicious individuals and CNT [Communist NPA Terrorist] activities in the area. Through the cooperation of the residents, we can easily thwart the hostile plans of the CNTs,” Molina added.