4ID troops seize firearms, mortar, and discover arms caches in Caraga

DAVAO CITY -– Troops from the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division recently seized five firearms, a mortar, and additional war materiel following the surrender of communist terrorist group (CTG) members and the discovery of arms caches in the Caraga region.

Acting on tips from former CTG members, troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion, along with the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under the 401st Infantry Brigade, located two arms caches in Old Marang and Old Decoy, Sitio Panukmoan, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on November 8 and 9, 2024.

Brigadier General Francisco F. Lorenzo Jr., Commander of the 401st Brigade, confirmed that the caches contained various arms, including a .50 caliber sniper rifle, a 60mm mortar, a .30 caliber Browning machine gun, magazines, and live ammunition.

“This discovery followed recent surrenders by CPP-NPA members who provided intelligence leading us to these hidden weapons. These offensives, launched in September, have resulted in multiple surrenders and the dismantling of CTG capabilities in our area. We believe these weapons were intended for CTG operations targeting vulnerable areas, but thanks to those who surrendered, we were able to prevent further violence,” BGen. Lorenzo said.

On November 7, three members of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad (SRSDG) Southland and the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG) from the NorthEastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) surrendered to the 75th Infantry Battalion. One, a former political guide, disclosed the location of an arms cache. Another cache was revealed on September 21 by a second former political guide who surrendered separately.

Additionally, on November 10, three more CNTs surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, handing over three firearms, including two .45 caliber pistols and a 9mm M11 submachine gun. On the same day, two more CNTs surrendered to the 30th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, Commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, highlighted the deteriorating state of CTG members, noting signs of disarray, exhaustion, and a lack of direction. “The CTG must now realize the futility of their cause. Surrender is their best option, especially with the government’s reintegration programs available to them,” he said.

Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, stated that recent accomplishments have weakened CTG’s operational capabilities.

“Their capacity to disrupt peace and destabilize communities has been significantly reduced. This progress supports our mission to dismantle the CTG and declare Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) across the region, paving the way for peace, development, and new opportunities,” Cuerpo added.