Army recovers significant weapons cache in Zamboanga del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY — Soldiers from the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion discovered a substantial cache of weapons and war materiel in Barangay Dalapan, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, on Tuesday, according to military authorities.

The arms stash was located in Purok 3 following custodial debriefing with Florencio Sayamba, who disclosed the location of the hidden supplies to military investigators.

Military officials said the recovered weapons and equipment represent a significant interdiction in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the province. The exact inventory of seized items and further details regarding the suspect remain under military review.

The discovery underscores continued military efforts to disrupt rebel supply lines and weapons smuggling networks operating in the resource-rich Mindanao region. The 53rd Infantry Battalion has intensified ground operations across Zamboanga del Sur as part of broader security initiatives in the southern Philippines.