Military personnel uncover hidden weapons stockpile following armed conflict with insurgents in Calbayog
In a significant development, the Philippine Army has announced the seizure of a cache of firearms from the New People's Army (NPA) in Calbayog City, Samar, on Wednesday, February 1. The operation was based on intelligence information gathered by the 43rd Infantry Battalion.
According to reports, the encounter involved a group of about 20 communist guerrillas in a remote area between the villages of Cangomaod and Cagmanipis. The firearms included an M16A1 rifle, an M653 rifle, improvised hand grenades, anti-personnel mine detonator switches, backpacks, and ammunition.
Lieutenant Colonel Degay Jr., spokesperson of the 43rd Infantry Battalion, confirmed the seizure and warned that anyone who continues to support the rebel group will face consequences. He also called on the public to report any wounded NPA fighters seeking medical treatment.
While there are no specific details about casualties among the NPA rebels, Army Lieutenant Roxane Valenciano, another spokesperson, suggested that the rebel group, led by Alex Capales alias Ka Mantiw, may have suffered casualties.
The encounter resulted in a fierce exchange of firepower between government troops and the NPA's Front Committee 2 in Eastern Visayas. No casualties were reported among government forces.
It's important to note that this operation took place in a region where the government has been conducting intensified military operations against the NPA. In the first half of 2025, 54 firearms were seized, including those recovered during clashes and those voluntarily surrendered by rebels[1].
The government has also been emphasizing reintegration programs for surrendered rebels, offering support for their return to civilian life. This has included assistance for those who have laid down their arms voluntarily, with 27 rebels having surrendered this year[1].
However, the NPA has been involved in various attacks and raids in other parts of the Philippines, such as Cagayan and Negros Oriental[2], highlighting the ongoing conflict and the need for continued military and peace-building efforts.
This report was compiled by Ricky Bautista, an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow. The intelligence information for the operation was provided by a self-confessed finance officer and member of the executive committee of the NPA in Eastern Visayas, who surrendered to the 43rd Infantry Battalion on January 26.
Officials also stated that the rebels were seeking food support from coconut farmers in the area during the encounter.
Lieutenant Colonel Degay Jr. concluded by appealing to remaining rebels to lay down their arms and join the government.
[1] Philippine Army. (2025). 43rd Infantry Battalion. Retrieved from https://43ib.ph/ [2] GMA News. (2025). NPA raids, attacks in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/nation/1544140/npa-raids-attacks-in-the-philippines/story/
This article does not contain any advertisements.
The seizure of firearms and other supplies from the New People's Army (NPA) in Calbayog City, Samar, marks a significant event in the ongoing war-and-conflicts between the government and the rebel group, as reported by Ricky Bautista. Furthermore, the incident underscores the broader context of politics and general-news, as well as crime-and-justice, with the NPA's activities causing concern and the need for continued military and peace-building efforts across the Philippines.
