Soldiers recovered an M16 rifle, a homemade shotgun, and two improvised explosive devices in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro on Thursday, July 9, 2026, after a local resident volunteered information about a weapons cache hidden by communist rebels, the Philippine Army announced.
The arms were unearthed in a wooded area in Barangay Benli, according to the 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Brigade, marking what military officials described as a direct result of growing civilian cooperation with government forces.
Troops Dig Up Buried Stash in Barangay Benli
Soldiers from the 1st Infantry (Always First) Battalion acted on the tip, which identified an arms cache allegedly concealed by what the military referred to as the Communist Terrorist Group. The stash was buried in a wooded section of Barangay Benli in the town of Bulalacao.
The recovered items included one 5.56mm M16 rifle, one homemade shotgun, one anti-tank improvised explosive device, and one anti-personnel improvised explosive device.
Brigade Commander Cites Community Confidence in Government Forces
Brigadier General Melencio Ragudo, commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, said the discovery reflected the strengthening relationship between local communities and security forces in Mindoro.
"This accomplishment reflects the strong partnership among the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, local government units, and the people of Mindoro. The close coordination among these stakeholders continues to create an environment where communities are empowered to reject violence and actively contribute to lasting peace," Ragudo said.
Division Commander Urges Public to Keep Reporting Threats
Major General Ramon Zagala, commander of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, said the recovery demonstrated the tangible impact of public cooperation in preventing violence and saving lives.
"This successful discovery highlights the value of public trust and cooperation in our peace and security efforts. Every firearm recovered and every explosive rendered safe eliminate threats in our communities. It is proof that when citizens and government work together, we can deny terrorist groups the means to sow fear and violence," Zagala said.
Zagala called on the public to continue reporting abandoned firearms, explosives, or suspicious activities to the nearest military or police unit.
Army to Sustain Operations Across Mindoro
The 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division said it would maintain focused military operations in the area while deepening coordination with the security sector, local government units, and communities, according to the Philippine Army statement.
The division described its goal as pursuing a peaceful and progressive Mindoro through continued civil-military engagement alongside the Philippine National Police and local authorities.
By the Numbers
- 1 — M16 rifle (5.56mm) recovered from the buried cache
- 1 — homemade shotgun recovered
- 1 — anti-tank improvised explosive device recovered
- 1 — anti-personnel improvised explosive device recovered
- 4 — total weapons and explosive items seized
- July 9, 2026 — date of the discovery in Barangay Benli, Bulalacao
Why This Matters
The recovery of functional firearms and improvised explosive devices from a concealed rebel cache removes immediate threats to civilian safety in Bulalacao and surrounding communities. Military commanders stated that the tip came voluntarily from a local resident, underscoring a shift in community engagement that the Army says is weakening the operational capacity of communist armed groups in Mindoro. The 2nd Infantry Division has committed to sustaining operations and civil-military partnerships as part of its broader mandate to secure the island province.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army / 203rd Infantry Brigade