CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – June 20, 2025 — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. awarded medals of valor to soldiers under the 901st Infantry Brigade during a visit to their headquarters in Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte on Thursday, June 19, in recognition of their recent success against remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA).
A total of 12 personnel—composed of two officers and 10 enlisted men—received Gold Cross Medals, Silver Cross Medals, and Military Merit Medals for their heroism in a series of operations from June 13 to 15, which led to the neutralization of five NPA members and the capture or surrender of two others.
“These brave troops have demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism,” Gen. Brawner said during his talk with the troops. “As the NPA’s forces continue to dwindle, we are now preparing to shift our focus to external defense and safeguarding our territorial integrity.”
Among the NPA casualties was Roderick Maco Bensing alias “Rodel,” a top leader in Caraga, whose death marked a significant blow to the communist insurgency in Northeastern Mindanao. Two other rebels were killed, including Liezl Dagohoy Mondejar, who later succumbed to injuries at a hospital.
The encounters occurred in Barangay Bugas-Bugas, Placer, Surigao del Norte, as joint elements of the 30th Infantry Battalion, 901st Infantry Brigade, and intelligence units under the 4th Infantry Division carried out deliberate operations to foil an NPA recovery effort in a province already declared insurgency-free.
On June 14, Ricky T. Per alias “Rem,” another high-ranking NPA leader, surrendered to government forces. He turned over a .45 caliber pistol and later revealed the location of an arms cache that included his M16 rifle, a rifle grenade, ammunition, and other war materiel. Another rebel, Allan Cacatian alias “Allen,” was also captured during the operations.
“This is a clear sign that their strength is crumbling,” said Lt. Col. Albert M. Batingga, commanding officer of the 30IB. “We urge those still in hiding to surrender and help rebuild communities affected by decades of conflict.”
Brig. Gen. Arsenio DC Sadural, Commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, praised the coordination and execution of the multi-day operation, stating, “It sends a clear message to the remaining NPA members that the government’s security forces are relentless and capable. Surigao del Norte remains resilient, with its people rejecting the return of violence and terror.”
Also present during the field visit were Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, and other key officers of the brigade.
Gen. Brawner emphasized that while the AFP celebrates its victories in internal security, it is also pivoting towards building a stronger defense posture to respond to growing external threats.
“Our focused military operations, supported by good governance and community cooperation, have weakened the NPA. We are now transitioning to the next phase—defending our nation’s sovereignty,” he said.