Philippine Troops Seize DI-MG Weapons Factory in Lanao del Sur Raid
In a significant blow to terrorist remnants, troops from the Philippine Army's 64th Infantry Battalion (64IB) have successfully raided and seized a weapons fabrication facility operated by the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) in Lanao del Sur. The operation, conducted on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Pabrica village, Marogong, resulted in the confiscation of a substantial cache of war materials and specialized equipment used for manufacturing high-powered firearms.
Intelligence-Driven Operation Uncovers Arms Factory
Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Gaviola, commander of the 64IB, detailed that the raid was an intelligence-driven law enforcement action targeting a location that previously served as a stronghold for the DI-MG in the region. The troops discovered and secured a variety of machinery and materials essential for weapons production, effectively disrupting the group's capability to rearm.
Among the seized items were:
- A milling machine
- Two lathe machines
- A drill press
- A welding machine
- Numerous other weapons fabricating materials
The confiscated war materials included 50 pieces of caliber .50 barrels, a caliber .50 propellant cartridge, five Barrett suppressors, three Barrett magazines, 20 wooden frames for Barrett rifles, four burners for caliber .50, two Barrett scopes, one 60-millimeter tube, and one grenade. This haul represents a critical setback for the DI-MG remnants, limiting their ability to produce and deploy sophisticated weaponry.
Military Leadership Commends Troops' Efforts
Brigadier General Yasser Bara, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, praised the 64IB troops for their professionalism and dedication during the operation. In a statement, he emphasized the strategic importance of the seizure, noting that it denies the DI-MG the means to threaten local communities.
"The successful recovery of these war materials and firearms fabrication equipment is a significant step in denying remnants of the Dawlah Islamiya–Maute Group the capability to rearm and threaten our communities," Bara said. "This accomplishment reflects the dedication, vigilance, and professionalism of our troops, as well as the effectiveness of our intelligence-driven operations."
Major General Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., commander of the 1st Infantry Division, also commended the troops, highlighting their unwavering commitment to neutralizing threats and ensuring public safety. He reiterated the military's resolve to prevent terrorist groups from regrouping and rearming through continued intelligence-driven initiatives.
"This successful operation demonstrates our firm resolve to eliminate the capability of terrorist groups to regroup and rearm," Barroquillo stated. "We will continue to intensify our intelligence-driven operations to ensure that communities in Lanao del Sur remain safe and secure. I commend our troops for their courage, vigilance, and dedication to duty."
Ongoing Security Measures and Community Protection
Following the raid, troops remain deployed in the area to secure the vicinity and facilitate further clearing operations for any additional concealed war materiel. This ongoing effort aims to safeguard nearby communities and prevent any potential resurgence of terrorist activities. The operation underscores the Philippine military's proactive approach in combating insurgency and maintaining peace in conflict-affected regions like Lanao del Sur.
