Ronnie Yanuario Posted on October 27, 2026 at 7:25 AM
Las Navas, Northern Samar — Information from a former insurgent led Philippine Army troops to a hidden weapons cache containing an anti-personnel mine and two M16 rifles in Barangay Osmeña, Las Navas, on October 26.
Troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion recovered the weapons after the former member of the New People’s Army, who was affiliated with the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, disclosed the location of the cache, the 8th Infantry Division said.
The recovered mine is an anti-personnel explosive designed to detonate when triggered by a person’s presence, proximity or contact, depending on its mechanism. Such devices can remain dangerous even when there is no ongoing fighting.
Lt. Col. Roger Gobway Jr., commander of the 19th Infantry Battalion, thanked the former insurgent for providing information that led to the recovery.
Gobway said the disclosure showed how former members of armed groups could help prevent violence and protect communities.
He also urged remaining NPA members to lay down their arms, return to their families and seek assistance through government reintegration programs.
The 8th Infantry Division said it would continue operations against remaining members of the armed group while encouraging them to surrender and return to civilian life.
Photos courtesy: Public Affairs Office, 8ID Philippine Army
