Camarines Norte, Philippines – A joint military operation led by the 16th Infantry (Will Serve) Battalion and the 85th Infantry (Sandiwa) Battalion, under the 201st Infantry (Kabalikat) Brigade of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, Philippine Army, resulted in the discovery of a significant Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP/NPA) weapons cache in Barangay Malatap, Labo, Camarines Norte, on March 9.

According to authorities, a former member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) provided intelligence that led to the successful operation. The cache was linked to Platoon Reymark of the Sub-Regional Military Area 4B, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (SRMA-4B, STRPC).

Lieutenant Colonel Warren O. Daroy, INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 16th Infantry (Servant) Battalion, highlighted the crucial role of former CTG members and local communities in the operation’s success.

"This marks the third major weapons cache we have uncovered this year in Camarines Norte," Daroy stated. "Earlier, on January 9, we recovered ten (10) high-powered firearms in Barangay Exciban, and on February 13, six (6) more were seized in Barangay Baay."

Despite these continuous discoveries, the 16th Infantry Battalion renewed its call for remaining CTG members to surrender, emphasizing that government programs are available to assist those who wish to reintegrate into society. The military reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in Camarines Norte, urging insurgents to abandon the armed struggle and work towards long-term peace in the region.

Authorities assured that operations will continue to dismantle remaining insurgent networks and prevent further threats to public safety.