A tip from a confidential informant led government forces to a mountainous location in San Andres town where they found a firearm, bullets and steel magazines last week.
The operation was initiated last Jan. 22, 2026 following a report from the informant to the Catanduanes 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (Cat1st PMFC) regarding the presence of suspected weapons in the area.
After conducting the necessary validation, briefing, and coordination with other security units, the authorities launched the recovery operation that required several hours of trekking through rugged terrain before the team reached the designated location within the territorial jurisdiction of Batong Paloway.
Guided by the informant, the units successfully recovered a firearm of unknown caliber, 95 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, and two (2) long magazines.
The recovered items were immediately placed under the custody of the San Andres Municipal Police Station (MPS) prior to submission to the Catanduanes Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) for technical examination and documentation to determine the origin, classification, and potential linkage of the items to any criminal activities or groups.
“The recovery of these items is a result of the strong partnership between the police and the public. By removing these undocumented weapons from the field, we are proactively preventing potential crimes and ensuring the safety of our mountain communities,” Catanduanes Police Provincial Director PCol. Elmer R. Cereno stated as he commended the vigilance of the community and the swift action of the operating units.