By Nimfa L. Estrellado Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division of the Philippine Army inspect recovered firearms allegedly ...
Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division of the Philippine Army inspect recovered firearms allegedly buried by insurgents in a forested area of Quezon Province during a joint clearing operation. (2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division, Philippine Army)
BUENAVISTA, Quezon - Weapons linked to past armed conflict were uncovered beneath cultivated land in a quiet rural barangay during a government security operation. The discovery shows that security efforts continue across the province even years after it was officially declared free from insurgency.
Joint elements of the Philippine Army 85th Infantry Battalion and local police carried out the recovery recently in an upland area of the province. The excavation was conducted along the boundary of Barangays San Isidro Ilaya and Rizal after authorities received and verified information about the buried weapons.
The operation was launched after a former member of the New People's Army disclosed the location of the concealed firearms to government forces. Acting on the information, troops coordinated with the Philippine National Police in Quezon and proceeded to the identified site in Buenavista.
According to military reports, the firearms were concealed following armed encounters in Barangay Pansoy in San Andres and Barangay Huyon-Huyon in San Francisco in January 2023. During their withdrawal, the group allegedly buried two M16 rifles with attached M203 grenade launchers after running out of ammunition and abandoned another M16 rifle to move more quickly.
The informant further disclosed that intensified military operations and gunshot wounds sustained by some members forced them to leave the weapons behind. Authorities said this information significantly aided efforts to prevent the possible recovery and reuse of the firearms.
Brigadier General Francis Carandang, commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade, said the recovery marks an important step in securing vulnerable communities in Quezon Province. He emphasized that cooperation from a former rebel demonstrates strengthening coordination between civilians and security forces.
“This recovery directly strengthens our security posture in Buenavista and nearby municipalities. The information provided by the former rebel reflects the growing trust in government forces and the continuing erosion of the terrorist group’s presence in our area of operations,” Brig. Gen. Carandang said.
Carandang stressed the continuing responsibility of government forces to safeguard local communities and prevent renewed threats in vulnerable areas. He underscored the continuing need for collaboration between security units and local stakeholders to sustain peace in affected communities.
“We remain committed to ensuring that communities in Quezon are protected from any remaining threats. Our forces will continue working closely with local authorities and residents to sustain peace and prevent the resurgence of armed groups,” he added.
Meanwhile, Major General Ramon Zagala, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, underscored the broader strategic impact of the recovery within the Division’s campaign against insurgency. He said each recovered firearm represents a reduction in the capacity of armed groups to carry out violent acts.
Major General Ramon Zagala emphasized that the recovery reflects measurable progress in ongoing security operations across Southern Tagalog. He said the continued discovery of hidden weapons demonstrates that sustained field operations are weakening the operational capacity of armed groups.
“The continued discovery of concealed firearms confirms that sustained, focused operations are producing long-term results. Every recovered weapon represents one less instrument of violence that could be used against our people,” Maj. Gen. Zagala said.
Zagala also issued a renewed call for remaining members of the armed movement to reconsider their involvement in insurgent activities. He stressed that the military remains committed to eliminating threats while promoting lawful and peaceful alternatives.
“We call on the remaining members of the armed movement to surrender and choose a lawful and peaceful path. The 2nd Infantry Division remains resolute in dismantling the remnants of terrorist groups and safeguarding communities across Southern Tagalog,” he added.
The development forms part of the broader security changes experienced by Quezon Province in recent years. Government authorities declared the province insurgency-free after dismantling organized groups linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
Quezon was officially declared free from the influence of communist insurgents after local leaders, police authorities, and military commanders confirmed that organized rebel fronts no longer posed a significant threat to public safety. The designation, known as Stable Internal Peace and Security status, was granted after years of coordinated operations and community-based efforts to dismantle armed influence across the province.
Despite that declaration, security monitoring continues in boundary areas near the Bicol region following occasional reports of suspected remaining members. Soldiers continue clearing and security operations in the area to prevent retrieval of hidden weapons and to ensure the safety of nearby communities.
For farming communities and small traders in interior barangays, stable peace and order conditions remain closely connected to economic stability. Secure surroundings support farm production, transport of goods, delivery of public services, and continued infrastructure projects across the province.
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