CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal – Joint forces of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) recovered two separate arms caches of the New People’s Army (NPA) in operations conducted in General Nakar, Quezon, and Labo, Camarines Norte.
The first operation, carried out on Thursday, December 19, by the 80th Infantry Battalion and PNP personnel, was based on information from an undisclosed tipster. The cache was discovered in Barangay Pagsangahan, General Nakar, Quezon, and contained two rifle barrels, four improvised firing devices, 32 rounds of live ammunition, four shotgun shells, a sling bag, and assorted wires.
In a follow-up operation on Friday, December 20, troops from the 16th Infantry Battalion, together with the police, acted on intelligence provided by a former rebel. The operation in Barangay Malibago, Labo, Camarines Norte, uncovered a larger arms cache containing 2,307 rounds of live ammunition, three rolls of detonating cords, 86 blasting caps, a roll of electrical wire, and three plastic drums.
Major General Cerilo Balaoro Jr., Commander of the 2ID, hailed the successful operations as a significant setback to the NPA’s operational capabilities.
“The recovery of these arms caches further weakens the NPA’s ability to conduct violent activities and disrupts their operations in these areas,” said Major General Balaoro. “This success is another step towards eradicating the remaining threats and achieving lasting peace in Quezon and the Southern Tagalog region.”
He emphasized the importance of intensified security operations alongside government reconciliation programs, urging remaining insurgents to surrender and reintegrate into society.
The 2ID, in collaboration with government and non-government organizations, remains committed to its mission of dismantling armed groups while promoting peace and development in affected communities.