CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The troops of the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army, crippled the capabilities of the remnants of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) as they successfully captured high-powered firearms and anti-personnel mines (APMs) during an intelligence-driven operation on July 10, 2025, in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
The said operation, made possible through intensified intelligence efforts and the unwavering cooperation of former rebels, had resulted in the capture of one (1) M60 caliber machine gun, one (1) AK-47 rifle, one (1) AR-18 rifle, 2,500 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five (5) Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), two (2) M18A1 Claymore mines, two (2) M57 firing devices, one (1) M4 electric blasting cap, and various war materiel that had been previously utilized by a weakened Communist Terrorist Group.
The captured items have been safely transported for proper documentation and disposal in accordance with standard protocols.
Brigadier General Antonio B. Dulnuan Jr., Commander of the 401st Brigade, commended the troops for their swift and decisive action and expressed gratitude to the former rebels whose cooperation was instrumental in the success of the operation.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the effectiveness of our sustained intelligence efforts and strengthened community partnerships. We salute the former rebels who are now key partners in our shared pursuit of lasting peace by providing critical information that cripples the operational capability of terrorist groups,” said BGen Dulnuan Jr.
For the first ten days of July 2025, the 4ID has already gained a total of thirty (30) captured firearms and one (1) enemy killed through various focused military operations across its area of responsibility. This significant accomplishment underscores the Division’s intensified campaign to weaken and dismantle the remaining armed elements of the Communist Terrorist Group.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, lauded the operation as a strong demonstration of synergy between former rebels and government forces.
He emphasized that the success reflects the 4ID’s unwavering commitment to ending local armed conflict and securing a peaceful, insurgency-free Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions, as he also reaffirmed the troops’ determination to relentlessly pursue and neutralize any remaining threats that may endanger the safety and development of communities.
