Geneva: The Philippine Army lauded local communities for providing vital information that led to the recent recovery of an arms cache belonging to the communist New People's Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of San Jose de Buan, Samar. The operation marked a significant step in the ongoing efforts to curb insurgency in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID) reported that the May 30 operation was made possible through information voluntarily provided by former NPA members and concerned residents. These individuals continue to support government efforts to end insurgency and protect communities from violence. The 8ID emphasized that the recovery highlights the increasing rejection of the insurgent movement by local communities throughout Samar. As residents continue to embrace peace and development initiatives, the NPA has experienced a steady decline in its support network, recruitment activities, intelligence gathering, and logistical capabilities.

The operation involved joint efforts from the Army's 87th Infantry Battalion and the 804th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8. The troops successfully recovered the hidden firearms in Barangay Can-aponte, San Jose de Buan town. The cache included two AK-47 assault rifles with magazines, two M16A1 rifles, and one M203 grenade launcher.

According to security officials, the discovery of the hidden firearms indicates the group's weakening operational capability. Sustained military and law enforcement operations, combined with the loss of community support, have forced NPA members to conceal and abandon weapons they can no longer effectively secure or use.