Army 𝐒𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞, 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐲

Valderrama, Antique – Troops of the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Arturo S. Balgos Jr., seized a communist terrorist arms cache during a combat operation on May 17, 2025, at Sitio Mapa, Barangay Culyat, Valderrama, Antique.

The troops recovered five (5) high-powered firearms composed of two (2) 5.56mm M16 rifles, one (1) 7.62mm M14 rifle, and two (2) 7.62mm AK-47 rifles—as well as a home-made shotgun pistol, anti-personnel mines, ammunition, magazines, and a flag from the National Democratic Front (NDF). This discovery deals a significant blow to the Komiteng Rehiyong Panay (KR-Panay) of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

The success of the mission was made possible by a former CTG member who chose to surrender and assist the government. Alyas “Boy Negro,” “Bong,” and “Dante,” was formerly part of the Regional Sentro de Grabidad of KR-Panay. He surrendered on April 1, 2025, and provided valuable information that led to the discovery of the arms cache.

Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Balgos Jr., the Commanding Officer of the 61IB expressed his gratitude to the former rebel who assisted in the operation and also commended the troops for the job well-done. “This is not just a victory for the government, but also a clear sign that the CTGs has already lost its strength and influence. These firearms will no longer be used to harm and threatened anyone. It also shows that our area is peaceful and secured.” he said.

The 61st Infantry Battalion remains committed to its mandate. The unit will continue to strengthen its presence in the communities, protect civilians, and support peace efforts across the region. It also aims to support and assist former rebels to reintegrate into the mainstream of society and to live peaceful lives, and further ensure that violence will no longer thrive.