In a significant security operation, troops have recovered a substantial arsenal of high-powered firearms from an abandoned vehicle in the remote hinterlands of Lanao del Sur province. The military announced this successful recovery on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, highlighting the coordinated efforts of joint security forces.
Operation Details and Recovery
Brigadier General Yasser Bara, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, confirmed that the firearms were seized on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Curahab village, Malabang, Lanao del Sur. The operation was initiated after joint elements of the 51st Infantry Battalion and personnel from the Malabang Municipal Police Station responded to reports of indiscriminate firing in the area.
Upon arrival, security forces discovered an abandoned minivan with no pertinent documents. A thorough inspection revealed a cache of multiple high-powered firearms, ammunition, and assorted military paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
Recovered Arsenal
The recovered items include:
- A Carbine rifle
- Three M16A1 rifles, one of which was equipped with an attached M203 Grenade Launcher
- An M14 rifle
- A Bushmaster Carbine
- Hundreds of rounds of ammunition
- 18 40-millimeter high explosive rounds
- Seven assorted bandoleers and rigs
Investigation and Next Steps
All recovered firearms and ammunition are currently undergoing proper documentation and marking procedures. These items will be submitted to the Police Crime Laboratory in Marawi City for ballistic examination and further investigation as authorities work to identify the individuals responsible for the abandoned vehicle and the indiscriminate firing incident.
Military Statement
In an official statement, Brigadier General Bara emphasized the importance of this recovery. "This successful recovery is a direct result of the swift coordination and professionalism of our troops and the police. Their timely response prevented these firearms from being used to threaten our communities," Bara stated.
He added, "We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure a peaceful and secure environment, especially during this Holy Month of Ramadan. Every firearm taken out of the hands of lawless elements is a step toward lasting peace."
Call for Public Support
Bara called on the public to continue supporting security forces by reporting any suspicious activities in their communities. This collaborative approach between military personnel, police units, and local residents remains crucial in maintaining regional security and preventing the proliferation of illegal weapons.
The recovery operation demonstrates the ongoing efforts of Philippine security forces to combat illegal firearms and enhance public safety in conflict-prone areas. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of those responsible for this cache of weapons.
