29/08/2026
HIDDEN ARSENAL UNEARTHED IN BAGGAO
The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., has scored a significant operational gain with the recovery of an arms cache believed to be associated with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Brgy. Agaman Proper, Baggao, Cagayan on August 26, 2026.
The recovery stemmed from information provided by a former rebel identified by the alias “Romy,” which led operating units to a concealed cache along a CTG mobility corridor. The operation was carried out jointly by the 204th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 2 (204th MC, RMFB2); 2nd Mobile Force Platoon of the 1st Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company; Police Intelligence Team Cagayan South; Regional Intelligence Unit 2; Baggao Police Station; and the 17th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
Upon locating the cache, the operating units secured the area and requested assistance from the Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (PECU) Cagayan to ensure the safe recovery and proper handling of the explosive ordnance. The operation resulted in the recovery of two improvised anti-personnel mines measuring approximately 10 x 10 inches, one 12-volt battery, 10 pieces of linked 7.62mm ammunition, one corroded caliber .45 pistol, one corroded caliber .38 revolver, one corroded caliber 9mm pistol, and one 12-gauge shotgun.
The recovered explosive ordnance was turned over to PECU Cagayan for proper disposal, while the fi****ms and ammunition were placed under the temporary custody of the 204th MC, RMFB2 for documentation and appropriate disposition.
“Every successful recovery is an opportunity to prevent these weapons from reaching the battlefield or being used against civilians. This accomplishment demonstrates the value of timely information and the readiness of our forces to act on threats before they escalate,” PGEN Nartatez said.
“Sa bawat impormasyong ating natatanggap, may pagkakataong mapigilan ang mas malaking panganib. Kaya mahalaga ang pakikipagtulungan ng ating mga kababayan upang maagapan ang anumang banta sa kanilang seguridad,” he added.
The operation likewise reflects the PNP Focused Agenda, a strategic framework for transforming police service, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which reinforces decisive action and sound operational responses to emerging security threats.
The recovery of the hidden arsenal underscores the PNP’s resolve to prevent armed groups from replenishing their weapons and explosives and to protect communities from potential violence.
Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP remains steadfast in safeguarding the Filipino people and delivering “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
