PLACER, Surigao del Norte – Troops from the 29th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Mark Tabon and operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade, engaged in a firefight with members of the Communist Terrorist Groups’ (CTGs) Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Westland (SRSDG-WL) on January 28, 2025, at 9:45 a.m.
The encounter occurred in the remote area of Sitio Dinakpan, Barangay Los Angeles, Butuan City. The 10-minute gun battle led to the death of two CTG members and the recovery of two high-powered firearms—an AK-47 rifle and a Bushmaster rifle—along with magazines, ammunition, medical supplies, and other personal belongings.
According to military reports, the SRSDG-WL unit was securing the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee’s (NEMRC) Regional Headquarters, led by Myrna Sularte, alias Maria Malaya. Sularte has been evading intensified military operations aimed at dismantling her group.
This latest encounter follows a series of successful operations against Malaya’s faction in August 2024, in Butuan City and Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. Those engagements also resulted in the capture of multiple firearms and the death of a CTG member.
Brigadier General Arsenio Sadural, Commander of the 901st Brigade, emphasized the growing resistance of local communities against CTG influence. “The CTGs are still trying to survive and gain support, but residents are becoming tired of them. This has led to several reports that resulted in this successful encounter,” Sadural stated.
He further urged the public to continue reporting any suspicious activities involving the CTGs. “Our focused military operations aim to ensure the safety and security of residents who have long been subjected to fear and intimidation by these terrorist groups,” he added.
Government forces remain committed to eradicating insurgency threats in the region while ensuring the protection of local communities.
