In a decisive military operation, troops from the 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB) successfully recovered a substantial cache of 295 grenades on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The arms were discovered hidden in Piagolongan village, Marogong, Lanao del Sur, and are believed to have been concealed by remnants of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG), a known terrorist organization operating in the region.
Major Blow to Terrorist Operations
Major General Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., commander of the 1st Infantry Division (1ID), confirmed the recovery on Thursday, March 12, 2026. He emphasized the critical impact of this seizure, stating that the sheer volume of explosives—nearly 300 hand grenades in a single cache—represents a significant blow to the operational capacity of the threat group in the area. Barroquillo highlighted that removing these grenades from circulation directly translates to lives protected, communities secured, and the prevention of potential mass casualty attacks.
Community Cooperation Leads to Discovery
The successful operation was made possible through the cooperation and trust of the local community, which provided crucial information to security forces. This collaboration underscores the importance of civilian-military partnerships in combating terrorism and ensuring regional stability. Following the recovery, the grenades were securely deposited at the 55IB headquarters for safekeeping, preventing any potential misuse.
Ongoing Mission for Peace and Security
The 1st Infantry Division remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle terrorist networks, recover hidden war materiel, and ensure lasting peace and security in Western Mindanao. This operation is part of broader efforts to neutralize threats and protect vulnerable populations from extremist activities. The recovery of such a large quantity of explosives not only disrupts terrorist plans but also reinforces the military's commitment to maintaining order in conflict-affected areas.
As the Philippine Army continues its vigilance, this incident serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges in counter-terrorism and the vital role of intelligence-driven operations. The removal of these grenades marks a proactive step toward enhancing safety and stability in Lanao del Sur and surrounding regions.
