CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City — The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has reported significant achievements in its ongoing campaign against the communist terrorist group (CTG), with a successful third quarter marked by the neutralization of 70 members of the CPP New People’s Army (NPA) and the capture of 88 firearms.
During the Campaign Progress Review and Assessment (CPRA) held at the 4ID Headquarters on October 24, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, the division’s commander, highlighted that troops engaged in 24 encounters between July and September 2024. These operations not only led to substantial enemy casualties but also resulted in the recovery of numerous weapons from arms caches.
One notable success was the surrender of Meni Rose Calipay De Castro, alias “Cream,” a medic affiliated with the CTG’s Regional Headquarters. She surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion on July 18, 2024, after serving as a medic for a senior CTG leader earlier this year.
In a series of engagements in Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, from September 7 to 9, forces from the 401st Infantry Brigade engaged the CTG with close air support, resulting in the deaths of two CNTs and the seizure of ten high-powered firearms. Evidence of further casualties among CTG members was indicated by bloodstains found at the site of the encounters.
In addition, 13 CTG members opted for peaceful surrender following intense pursuit operations, bringing with them 28 high-powered firearms. This initiative underscores the military’s commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than further violence.
Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II commended the troops for their exceptional performance and stressed the importance of continued collaboration with local communities to prevent CTG atrocities. He expressed confidence in achieving operational goals by the end of the year.
“I want to congratulate everyone on the outstanding performance we’ve achieved in the third quarter, as reflected in our operational results. I am extremely proud of what this unit has accomplished,” he stated, emphasizing the need for dignity in mission execution.
