CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City — A series of military operations led by the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) resulted in the surrender of 16 Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists (CNTs), the deaths of two others, and the capture of 28 high-powered firearms in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.
On September 14, troops from the 88th Infantry Battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. Eric Dema-ala and based in Brgy. Bulonay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, facilitated the surrender of 12 CNTs. Among the surrenderers were four regular members of Headquarters Force NEO, one regular member of the dismantled Guerrilla Front Malayag, and seven members of the Milisya ng Bayan, all belonging to the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC). The surrendered CNTs turned over a cache of firearms, including eight M1 Garand rifles, one M16 rifle, one M653 rifle, and one homemade shotgun.
Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., Commander of the 403rd Brigade, expressed relief over the surrender, stating, “They are now living miserably, hungry, and exhausted. The people no longer support them. We are glad they realized the futility of fighting the government and have ended the violence.”
On the same day, two more CNTs, part of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad (SRSDG) Westland of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), surrendered following successful negotiations led by the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Jason F. Pangandoyon in Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
Earlier, on September 8, a platoon medic and team leader from the dismantled Guerrilla Front 30, SRC Westland, NEMRC, surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion in Surigao del Sur, bringing two M16 rifles. Following their surrender, the battalion discovered an additional cache of firearms, including one M16 rifle, one M203 grenade launcher, and one AK47 rifle, along with war materiel.
Further military operations by the 401st Infantry Brigade in Surigao del Sur resulted in a series of armed engagements. On September 7, troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion clashed with around 30 NPA members engaged in extortion activities. The encounter resulted in the capture of several weapons, including four M16 rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, and three AK47 rifles, along with anti-personnel mines, bandoliers, and supplies. Blood stains at the scene indicated significant casualties on the enemy’s side.
On September 9, another armed engagement with fleeing CNT members led to the death of Felipe D. Tejero Sr., Commanding Officer of Platoon 7, DGF19, NEMRC, and the capture of an M4 rifle. Pursuit operations on September 10 resulted in the death of Florencio L. Montella, Political Instructor for RSDG, NEMRC, and the seizure of more firearms and supplies.
Brigadier General Francisco Lorenzo Jr., Commander of the 401st Brigade, emphasized that peace-building efforts were swiftly initiated following these operations, engaging Indigenous Peoples (IP) leaders and the relatives of insurgents to promote dialogue and encourage further surrenders.
Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commander of the 4ID, praised the military’s efforts, stating, “The significant defeat of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) is a testament to the troops’ professionalism and commitment. The dwindling manpower and firepower of the CTGs show the effectiveness of our operations and peace initiatives.”
The 4ID remains steadfast in its efforts to eliminate insurgent groups and restore peace in the region.
