TROOPS of the 7th Infantry Battalion (7IB) seized assorted high-powered firearms in a remote village of Sultan Kudarat province on Monday, July 28, 2025, the military said.
Lieutenant Colonel Tristan Rey Vallescas, 7IB commander, said the firearms were discovered after the troops were informed that assorted high-powered firearms were hidden on the deserted compound of Mutin Ali in Sitio Kimondo, Langandang village, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
The recovered firearms include two fabricated caliber .50 rifles, one fabricated M79 grenade launcher, three fabricated rocket-propelled grenade (RPGs) launchers, and two RPG anti-tank ammunition.
Vallescas said the firearms were placed in a sack and studded with stones.
"These firearms could have been used to sow fear and disrupt the peace we are striving to protect. I commend the unwavering commitment and vigilance of the 7IB troopers in ensuring that these firearms were safely recovered," Vallescas said.
Brigadier General Michael Santos, 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the accomplishment of the 7IB and emphasized the importance of continued community cooperation.
"We will continue to intensify our focused military operations to deny lawless elements any chance to impose threats," Santos said.
"I urge our communities to remain vigilant and work hand-in-hand with us in eliminating the tools of violence such as these loose firearms, and in safeguarding our treasured peace in Sultan Kudarat," he added.
The recovered firearms were placed under the temporary custody of 7IB for proper disposition. (SunStar Zamboanga)