PLACER, Surigao del Norte — The 901st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army has dealt a decisive blow to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Caraga, successfully dismantling the Sub-Region Sentro de Gravidad (SRSDG) Westland—the last remaining active CTG unit in its area of responsibility.
Through relentless and coordinated military operations by its subordinate battalions—the 29th, 30th, 36th, 48th, and 65th Infantry Battalions—the Army neutralized key leaders and members of SRSDG Westland, leaving only a few weakened remnants struggling to survive in the hinterlands.
Two NPA Platoons Crippled
Platun Uno, one of SRSDG Westland’s key platoons, was completely dismantled following successive encounters with government troops in Placer, Surigao del Norte, and Anticala, Butuan City between June and July. A total of 18 members were neutralized—four were killed in encounters, including SRSDG Westland Commander Roderick “Rodel” Maco, while 14 others surrendered. Among the surrenderers were Ricky “Rem” Per, Vice CO of Platun Uno and former commander of the dismantled SRSDG Northland, and Squad Leader Julia, who surrendered with his wife to the 48IB on July 16. The final two remaining members surrendered to the 29IB on October 2, turning over seven high-powered firearms.
The brigade also neutralized Roel “Jacob” Neniel, Commanding Officer of the Regional Headquarters, during an encounter in Butuan City on July 7—further weakening the rebel network in the province.
Similarly, Platun Dos of SRSDG Westland suffered a major setback after a firefight with the 36IB in Sitio Libas, Barangay Sibahay, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur on June 25. Two members—known as Marga and Joseph—were wounded, captured, and later surrendered. On August 22, the platoon’s leader, Edmar “Renren” Maca, also surrendered and persuaded five more of his comrades to yield to authorities by early October, reducing the group’s manpower to just seven active members.
Remaining CTG Members on the Run
Since June this year, a total of 26 CTG fighters from SRSDG Westland have been neutralized. Only three skeletal squads remain, reportedly hiding along the boundaries of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, and San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. These remnants are under continuous pressure from sustained combat operations by the 901st Brigade and its attached battalions.
Army Vows to Sustain Operations
Colonel Manuel Darius M. Resuello, Acting Commander of the 901st Infantry “Fight ’Em” Brigade, lauded the troops’ efforts and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to pursue the remaining rebels.
“We will continue our relentless operations until the last member of the remaining CTG unit in our area of responsibility is neutralized,” Col. Resuello said. “We hope that these remaining members will choose to surrender to avoid further fatalities and to be reunited with their families.”
He also commended the close cooperation of local government units, the security sector, and community stakeholders in sustaining peace and development programs under the Whole-of-Nation Approach to end insurgency in Caraga.
Operating under the Joint Task Force Diamond of the 4th Infantry Division, the 901st Infantry Brigade remains steadfast in its mission to secure the northern part of the Caraga Region and uphold the gains of peace and stability achieved through years of military and civilian partnership.