BALER, Aurora — The 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, Philippine Army, recovered two high-powered M14 rifles and an empty magazine during a joint intelligence operation in Barangay Esperanza, Dilasag, Aurora, on October 7, following the voluntary surrender of an individual reportedly operating with a remaining armed group in the hinterlands of Dilasag and along the boundary with Dinapigue, Isabela.

The individual, identified by the Army as alias “Balung,” 46, a resident of Purok San Pablo, Barangay Esperanza, Dilasag, was reportedly in a “lie-low” status before voluntarily coordinating with government forces.

Personnel of Bravo Company, 91IB, led by 1st Lt. Josua A. Aurelio, together with the battalion’s S2 intelligence operatives, conducted the joint follow-up intelligence operation under the supervision of Lt. Col. Michelangelo G. Ramirez, 91IB commanding officer.

Ramirez said the firearms were recovered at around 6:30 a.m. in Barangay Esperanza through the joint intelligence efforts of the company commander and the battalion’s intelligence personnel.

The recovered firearms consisted of one M14 rifle bearing serial number 7790186 TRWZB and one modified M14 rifle bearing serial number D28287-12SA RE6B. Both firearms were assessed as serviceable. An empty magazine was also recovered.

Ramirez said the individual was associated with a group linked to the former dismantled Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley and its Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSTG).

During a ceremony at the 91IB headquarters in Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, on October 7, Ramirez appealed to remaining members of armed groups operating in parts of Aurora, particularly in Dingalan and Dilasag and along boundary areas, to surrender and avail themselves of government assistance.

“I am appealing to our remaining brothers who are still with the group to surrender and experience the assistance of the 91st IB,” Ramirez said.

He said encouraging remaining combatants to abandon armed activities and return to the fold of the law has been among his priorities since assuming command of the battalion.

Ramirez also assured communities in Aurora that the 91IB would continue to carry out its mandate to promote peace and security while supporting development efforts in the province.

He said the recovery of the firearms, coupled with the voluntary surrender, underscores the importance of intelligence operations, community cooperation, and sustained engagement in addressing remaining armed threats within the battalion’s area of responsibility.

The 91IB reiterated its appeal to remaining armed elements to lay down their weapons, return to their communities, and pursue peaceful means toward lasting peace and development in Aurora. (Jason de Asis)