Photo courtesy of 26IB of the 4th Infantry Division
TROOPS from the 26th Infantry Battalion, a unit under the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, seized three high-powered firearms in two arms caches on a tip by a former Milisya ng Bayan (MB) member in Barangay Lydia, La Paz, Agusan del Sur, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
The surrenderer, who hails from San Luis, Agusan del Sur, turned himself in to authorities, bringing with him one AK-47 rifle, along with its magazines and ammunition.
Lieutenant Colonel Jose Redentor Gilbuela, the 26IB commanding officer, the former rebel led troops to the locations of hidden stockpiles of firearms and ammunition.
“The arms caches were discovered in two separate locations in Barangay Lydia,” stated Gilbuela. “In the first arms cache, one M1 Garand rifle was seized, while in the second one, our troops captured one M1 Garand rifle, 80 rounds of ammunition, and eight cartridge clips.”
He said the surrendered was “weakened by exhaustion and disillusioned by broken promises” of the NPA.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, highlighted the growing number of New People’s Army surrenderers as a testament to the effectiveness of government programs, particularly the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). This program aims to assist former rebels and their supporters in rebuilding their lives.
“This is another proof that the government’s efforts for peace and reintegration are working,” Anayron Jr. affirmed. “That’s why we urge those still in the mountains to reconsider their path and return to their families and communities.”
