CAMP Osito D Bahian, Malaybalay City – The quiet hinterlands of Bukidnon erupted into gunfire on August 13, 2025, as government forces launched a daring operation that led to a fierce clash with armed members of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) within the rugged Saldab Complex, spanning Malaybalay City and Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasug-ong.
In a meticulously planned strike fueled by reliable intelligence from vigilant civilians, elite ground forces under the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, led by Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, executed a coordinated assault that tested both the grit and skill of the troops on the ground.
Troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion (3SRB), 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn), 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB), 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB), 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB), and the 4th Division Reconnaissance Battalion (4DRB) converged on suspected enemy strongholds in the Saldab terrain. Moving through thick forests and steep ridges, the soldiers advanced tactically, cutting off escape routes and forcing the NCMRC fighters into a direct confrontation.
The firefight that ensued was both swift and unrelenting. After the smoke cleared, four Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs)—three men and one woman—were left neutralized. Government forces also seized a high-powered firearm and assorted war materials from the encounter site.
Despite the intensity of the clash, the soldiers exercised discipline in handling the aftermath. The remains of the slain rebels were carefully documented and transported to nearby funeral homes, while coordination with local government units and the Philippine National Police (PNP) is ongoing to locate and inform the families of the deceased, with burial assistance to be extended.
BGen Tubalado hailed the bravery and resolve of his troops, underscoring that the operation is part of the brigade’s sustained drive to crush the remnants of insurgency in Northern Mindanao.
“This encounter highlights the unyielding commitment of our forces to protect our people from the threats of the CPP-NPA. Our soldiers demonstrated not only courage in battle but also professionalism and respect for human rights in its aftermath,” Tubalado said.
He further issued a strong yet compassionate appeal to the remaining insurgents still hiding in the mountains:
“We reach out to you not as adversaries, but as fellow Filipinos. True courage is not found in bearing arms, but in embracing peace and returning to your loved ones. Don’t let your life be consumed by conflict. Choose peace. Choose your family. Choose a new beginning. Magtinabangay kita alang sa atong kalambuan.”
The 403rd Infantry Brigade reaffirmed its mission to safeguard communities and dismantle armed threat groups, vowing to continue its relentless but humane pursuit of lasting peace in Bukidnon and the rest of Northern Mindanao.