21/06/2026
COMMUNITY SUPPORT LEADS TO RECOVERY OF WAR MATERIALS, THWARTING POSSIBLE THREAT IN MASBATE
A potential threat posed by lawless elements operating in the Province of Masbate has been successfully deterred following the recovery of various war materials through the invaluable assistance and cooperation of the local community.
On June 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM, a joint operation was conducted by personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, Pio V. Corpus Municipal Police Station, Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay Team Bugang, Provincial Intelligence Unit of Masbate Police Provincial Office, the 65th Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Delta Company of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, and the Regional Intelligence Unit PIT-Masbate. Acting on information and with the support of concerned community members, the operating units recovered a cache of war materials believed to have been intended for unlawful activities.
The recovered items consisted of one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), one firing wire measuring more or less ten meters in length, nineteen pieces of empty 7.62 mm shell casings, one hundred sixty-nine rounds of live 5.56 mm ammunition, two rifle grenades, three Molotov cocktails, two power banks, three cellular phones identified as one ITEL cellphone, one QNET cellphone, and one Phoenix cellphone, one calculator, assorted medical items and equipment, one drone remote control, three detonators, one rifle sling, and four batteries.
Following the recovery, personnel of the Pio V. Corpus MPS immediately requested the assistance of the Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit of Masbate PPO for the proper technical evaluation and handling of the recovered explosive materials. The recovered Improvised Explosive Device and rifle grenades were transported to the Pio V. Corpus MPS and will subsequently be turned over to the Masbate PECU for comprehensive technical examination and assessment. Likewise, the recovered ammunition was brought to the same police station and will be endorsed to the Masbate Provincial Forensic Unit for ballistic examination and documentation.
The successful recovery of these war materials highlights the crucial role of community participation in maintaining peace and security. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of the close coordination among the PNP, the AFP and local stakeholders in preventing threats before they can endanger lives and communities.
Under the leadership of PBGEN EROSITO N MIRANDA, Regional Director, PRO5, the strong partnership between the PNP and the communities in the Bicol Region will continue to be strengthened in pursuit of lasting peace and stability. The PNP remains steadfast in its commitment to ending the operations of insurgent and rebel groups that continue to threaten the safety and development of local communities.
“We will not cease our efforts. We shall continue to employ all strategies under the PNP Focused Agenda to sustain peace and security in the region, and we will not allow Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) to disrupt the progress that our communities have worked hard to achieve. With the recovery of these war materials, we are one step closer to making this goal a reality.”
Philippine National Police
Police Community Affairs and Development Group - National Headquarters
The accomplishment serves as a clear testament to the vigilance of the public and the dedication of law enforcement and military forces in protecting the people of Masbate. Authorities remain committed to intensifying intelligence-driven and community-supported operations to prevent any resurgence of violent activities and ensure a safe and secure environment for all.
The PNP, together with its partner agencies and the people of Bicol, will continue to uphold its commitment to providing “Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” ensuring that peace, order, and public safety remain at the forefront of its mission.
