TROOPS of the 36th Infantry Battalion, under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade, unearthed an arms cache containing multiple firearms and war materiel in the vicinity of Sitio Bato, Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, on March 24, 2026.
A Czech VZ rifle, a 5.56mm Bushmaster Carbine, and a 5.56mm Rock Island Carbine were found concealed in the area. These items are now in the custody of the 36IB for documentation and proper disposition.
Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, commended the 36IB under the leadership of Lt. Col. Joselito Ante Jr. for the accomplishment.
“These developments reflect the effectiveness of our focused security operations and underscore the crucial role of community support in addressing insurgency. The active participation of the populace remains vital in achieving lasting peace,” Aynera said.
The discovery follows a recent encounter where 36IB troops neutralized two Communist Terrorist Group members and seized four high-powered firearms in the hinterlands of Barangay Nurcia, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, on March 22, 2026.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, emphasized that these operational gains indicate the weakening capabilities of the remaining CTG members in the region.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining momentum in peace and security efforts across the Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
