The government’s intensified campaign against communist insurgency scored another breakthrough after the arrest of a former finance officer of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Davao City and the voluntary surrender of another rebel in Bukidnon, military officials reported.
The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army said the operations mark another significant development in the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent networks in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region.
Arrest of former NPA finance officer
Authorities identified the arrested rebel as Gretchel Canda Daval, also known by her aliases “Che-Che” and “Alex,” who previously served as finance officer of SYP16A under Guerilla Front 16 of the NPA’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee operating in the Caraga Region.
Daval was apprehended on March 3, 2026, in a focused law enforcement operation conducted in Barangay Tigatto, Buhangin District, Davao City.
The arrest was carried out by troops of the 75th Infantry Battalion and intelligence units of the 4th Infantry Division, in coordination with the Philippine National Police.
According to military reports, Daval was arrested by virtue of an existing warrant of arrest for frustrated murder, multiple counts of attempted murder, and murder, all linked to alleged insurgent-related activities.
Military officials said Daval’s capture is expected to significantly weaken the logistical and financial backbone of the rebel group operating in parts of northeastern Mindanao.
Rebel surrenders in Bukidnon
In a separate development, a 28-year-old NPA member voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 1st Special Forces Battalion in Bukidnon.
The surrendering rebel reportedly expressed his desire to abandon the armed struggle and return to civilian life, signaling another setback for insurgent operations in the region.
Military officials said the surrender highlights the continuing erosion of support within rebel ranks amid sustained security operations and government reintegration programs.
Military cites weakening insurgency
Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said the twin developments reflect the declining operational capability and shrinking support networks of the NPA in Northern Mindanao and Caraga.
“These accomplishments manifest the sustained momentum of our focused military operations and strengthened collaboration with our law enforcement counterparts,” Anayron said.
“The arrest of a former finance officer weakens the enemy’s logistical and financial support structure, while every surrender signifies a life redirected toward peace and progress,” he added.
The military chief emphasized that the division remains committed not only to neutralizing armed threats but also to ensuring the safe reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society.
Call for remaining rebels to surrender
The 4th Infantry Division reiterated its appeal to remaining members of the New People’s Army to lay down their arms and take advantage of the government’s peace and development initiatives.
Military officials stressed that former rebels who choose to surrender can access government support programs designed to help them rebuild their lives and transition back into peaceful and productive members of society.