Philippine Army troops discovered a hidden weapons cache over the weekend belonging to suspected communist rebels in Occidental Mindoro province, military officials said.

Soldiers from the 68th Infantry Battalion found the cache during security operations in Barangay Manoot, Rizal town.

The materials allegedly belonged to the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee, a communist group operating in Mindoro island.

The recovered items included rifle components, such as an M16 rifle scope, two hammers, and two triggers, along with an improvised explosive device switch and a magazine, according to military reports.

Maj. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, said the discovery would help reduce the operational capabilities of insurgent groups in the area.

“This recovery demonstrates our troops’ dedication to maintaining security and preventing the proliferation of illegal weapons that endanger our communities,” Balaoro said.

Military officials said the recovered materials have been turned over to proper authorities for documentation and disposal.

The 2nd Infantry Division, known as the Jungle Fighter Division, continues to conduct security operations in the area as part of its peacekeeping mission.