Tboli: Government forces discovered high-powered firearms buried by communist rebels in a shallow pit in Tboli, South Cotabato, on Sunday afternoon, a military official reported Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Christopherson Capuyan, commander of the Philippine Army's 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB), stated that the firearms belonged to the communist New People's Army (NPA) Regional Sentro de Grabidad-Far South Mindanao Region. Soldiers located the cache in Sitios Ellaw and Basag of Barangay Laconon. The firearms, comprising three M16 rifles, were pinpointed by former NPA rebels who had earlier surrendered to the military.

Lt. Col. Capuyan emphasized that the discovery of the arms cache is a testament to the dedication of the troops and the effectiveness of the intelligence operations. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the Army's 603rd Infantry Brigade, noted that every firearm taken from the hands of communist rebels is a step closer to peace and security for communities in the area.

Brig. Gen. Santos urged the community to continue supporting the government's campaign against the NPA, emphasizing that the rebels prefer violence over peacefully rejoining the mainstream. He assured the public that the military will persist in its mandate of protecting the people and securing the communities.