09/04/2026
PNP, PA SEIZE ARMS CACHE IN STA. TERESITA, CAGAYAN
The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., in joint operations with the Philippine Army, successfully uncovered and seized an arms cache in the mountainous area of Sitio Tagcar, Brgy. Mission, Sta. Teresita, Cagayan on April 7, 2026, dealing a significant blow to the logistical capabilities of armed groups operating in the region.
At about 10:25 AM, personnel from the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), 112 Special Action Company (SAC), Cagayan Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (PECU), 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, Provincial Intelligence Unit, and Sta. Teresita Police Station conducted the operation based on information provided by a former rebel. Operating in a dense forested area, authorities located and excavated the hidden cache, confirming its use as a storage and possible transit point for weapons and explosive materials.
Recovered from the site were seven pieces of 40mm Ctg HEDP, six gr***de rifle M76 HE including four with bull traps and two additional units, five blasting caps with leg wires, four meters of detonating cord, ten pieces of 12-gauge shot shells, twelve rounds of .38 caliber ammunition, fifty-three rounds of 7.62 mm linked ammunition, two improvised explosive device components, one 12-gauge shotgun, one improvised shotgun, and two improvised shotgun barrels, along with batteries and wiring materials used for explosive assembly.
All recovered explosive materials are now under the custody of the Cagayan Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit for proper disposition and thorough examination, while the recovered fi****ms were turned over to the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company for appropriate documentation and processing as authorities continue efforts to trace their origin and intended use.
โThis operation reflects our sustained pressure against armed groups and their supply chains. We will continue to locate and neutralize hidden armaments that threaten peace and security,โ said PGEN Nartatez. โHindi kami titigil sa paghahanap ng mga nakatagong armas. Mahalaga na maagapan ang mga ito bago pa magamit laban sa mamamayan.โ
The operation aligns with the PNP Focused Agendaโa strategic framework of transformation designed to make police service more responsive and reliable. At the heart of this agenda are key priorities that define the course of the PNP, with Enhanced Managing Police Operations taking center stage in intensifying intelligence-driven actions and joint operations to prevent the proliferation of loose fi****ms and explosives.
PGEN Nartatez further emphasized, โEvery recovered weapon is a threat removed from our communities. Our efforts remain focused on protecting lives and ensuring stability across all areas.โ โPatuloy nating palalakasin ang ating presensya sa mga liblib na lugar upang masigurong ligtas ang bawat komunidad.โ
As the PNP strengthens its campaign against illegal weapons and armed groups under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP continues to assure the public of โBagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.โ
(PNP-PIO)