TROOPS of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion, based in Miagao, Iloilo, recovered a New People’s Army (NPA) arms cache on May 17, 2025, in Sitio Mapa, Barangay Culyat, Valderrama, Antique.
Major General Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, based in Jamindan, Capiz, said, “We are grateful for the vital information provided by former rebels whose surrender has transformed their lives, allowing them to become productive citizens and contribute to the government's peace initiatives.”
Samson expressed optimism that the decades-long insurgency in Panay is nearing its end with the support of former rebels and the community.
He urged the public to continue cooperating with the military by sharing information that could aid in dismantling the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).
The troops discovered the cache during combat operations and recovered five high-powered firearms, including two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, and two AK-47 rifles.
They also found a homemade shotgun, anti-personnel mines, ammunition, magazines, and a National Democratic Front (NDF) flag.
The arms cache’s location was disclosed by alyas Boy Negro, a former member of the Regional Sentro de Grabidad of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay, who surrendered to the 61IB on April 1, 2025.
The 3ID praised the 61IB for its successful combat operations, weakening the NPA's regional structure in Panay.
The military emphasized that with continued support from former rebels and local communities, the end of insurgency is within reach. (Leo Solinap)