In Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, troops from the 88th Infantry (Maringal) Battalion located high-powered firearms and ammunition inside an abandoned hut at Sitio Matangpatang, Barangay Miglamin, on July 4, 2026, while conducting focused military operations under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Arnold M. Bautista, Commanding Officer of the 88IB. The operation yielded a M4A1 Carbine Rifle, a Cal. .30 Carbine Rifle, two magazines, 138 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 48 rounds of Cal. .30 ammunition, and two military bags.
The identification of the concealed war materiel was a result of intelligence-driven operations in the area following previous encounters conducted by the 1st Special Forces Battalion and the 8th Infantry Battalion under the 403rd Infantry Brigade. Acting on information regarding the presence of unidentified individuals in the area, troops conducted focused operations that eventually led to the uncovering of the hidden firearms and ammunition under the supervision of Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, Brigade Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade.
Meanwhile, in Sitio Tubakon, Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, joint troops of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion and the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion, under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade, unearthed three AK-47 rifles from a concealed arms cache during a special intelligence operation on July 13, 2026.
The concealed arms cache yielded three AK-47 rifles with defaced serial numbers, believed to be part of the war materiel hidden by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the area. Following the operation, the seized firearms were transported to the Headquarters of the 30IB in Barangay Santa Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte, where these were turned over to the Logistics Section for proper documentation and disposition.
Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, commended the troops for their vigilance and dedication in locating concealed war materiel through intelligence-driven operations. He emphasized that such efforts reflect the division’s commitment to safeguarding communities and preventing the resurgence of armed threats within its area of responsibility.
The 4ID remains steadfast in sustaining focused military operations, strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, and maintaining a proactive security posture to preserve peace and stability in Northeastern Mindanao. GeographicReference