CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City — The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division of the Philippine Army has intensified its focused military operations across Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, resulting in a series of significant gains against the dwindling New People’s Army (NPA) insurgency.
In a span of three days, troops successfully recovered high-powered firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other war materiel in separate operations in Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Sur. In addition, a key NPA medic voluntarily surrendered in Surigao del Sur, further weakening the communist terrorist group’s hold in the region.
On July 29, a concerned citizen from Sitio Pinayungan, Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur turned over two IEDs, blasting caps, and detonating cord to authorities. The handover was facilitated by Charlie Battery of the 4th Field Artillery Battalion and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. The recovered explosives are now in the custody of the 401st Infantry Brigade in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
On the same day, soldiers from the 58th Infantry Battalion encountered NPA remnants in Barangay Bal-ason, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, resulting in the recovery of one M16 rifle, three magazines, a bandolier, and a backpack. A follow-up operation on July 31 in Sitio Dumagook, Barangay Lawaan, also in Gingoog City, yielded another M16 rifle, a loaded magazine, and more personal belongings after another firefight.
In a separate development on July 30, a female NPA medic known by her aliases Jawe and Darna, surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur. A former member of Platoon 1, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland under the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), she cited extreme hunger, lack of support from the masses, and persistent military operations as reasons for her decision to abandon the armed struggle. She had also sustained a gunshot wound in a previous encounter in Agusan del Sur in August 2024, which left her physically impaired and emotionally drained.
The former rebel said she wanted to start anew and be reunited with her family after years of hardship in the mountains.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4ID, lauded the recent successes and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to ending the local communist armed conflict.
“These developments show the continuing collapse of the NPA’s armed capability and organizational strength. We commend the courage of those who chose to surrender and embrace peace,” Anayron said. “The 4ID will remain relentless in its mission to protect communities and encourage other rebels to lay down their arms and avail of government programs like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).”
Echoing this sentiment, Lieutenant Colonel Joselito B. Ante Jr., Acting Commanding Officer of the 36IB, emphasized the importance of peacebuilding and reintegration.
“Now is the right time to return to the folds of the law, reunite with your families, and start a new chapter of your lives,” Ante urged.
Authorities stressed that these gains are the result of ongoing localized peace engagements and civil-military efforts that aim to dismantle the remaining influence of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in conflict-affected communities across Northern Mindanao and Caraga.