State troops recovered high-caliber firearms in an operation against alleged members of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in Valderrama town, Province of Antique.

According to Colonel Erwin Lamzon, head of the Public Affairs Office-3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army, in an interview with GMA Super Radyo Iloilo, the operation was conducted on May 17, 2025 in Sitio Mapa, Barangay Culyat.

Members of the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion recovered two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, and two AK47 rifles. Aside from these, a homemade shotgun, anti-personnel mines, ammunition, magazine, and a flag of the National Democratic Front (NDF).

The operation was based on information from alias “Boy Negro,” a former member of the Regional Sentro de Grabidad - Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay who surrendered to the 61IB on April 1, 2025.

The 3rd Infantry Division lauded the courage and dedication of the 61IB in its continued drive against insurgency that led to the dismantlement of KR-Panay.

Major General Michael Samson, commander of the 3ID, thanked the rebel returnee for his assistance to the anti-insurgency campaign.

The authorities have continued to urge other alleged members of rebel groups to return to the fold of the law and avail of government assistance.