PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Government forces under the 401st Infantry “Unite N’ Fight” Brigade of the Philippine Army sustained their operational momentum with two significant developments on April 15, 2026: the recovery of a high-powered firearm in Agusan del Sur and the surrender of a key Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) member in Surigao del Sur.
At around 12:00 noon, a joint security operation led by elements of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and the 29th Infantry Battalion, in coordination with the 67th Infantry Battalion, resulted in the capture of one carbine rifle in Purok 1, Barangay Mahayag, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
The operation was launched following actionable intelligence provided by a former rebel known as “Ka Dodong,” who had earlier surrendered to the 67th Infantry Battalion. Acting on the tip, troops conducted a focused search within the area of responsibility of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, eventually uncovering the firearm believed to have been abandoned by fleeing CTG members.
Military officials said the recovery of the rifle highlights the continued weakening of insurgent forces in the region, attributing the success to strengthened intelligence networks and increasing community cooperation.
On the same day, in a separate development, the 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion facilitated the peaceful surrender of “Ka Cyrus,” also known as “Putot,” a political instructor of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG), West Land, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). He is a resident of Barangay Carromata, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
“Ka Cyrus” yielded to authorities through sustained localized peace engagement efforts, bolstered by dialogue with stakeholders and the active support of community members. He was subsequently brought to the headquarters of the 36th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, where he is now undergoing custodial debriefing and processing for reintegration.
According to initial debriefing, the former rebel cited extreme hardship, traumatic combat experiences, and dwindling support from their mass base as reasons for abandoning the armed struggle.
Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, Acting Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, commended troops for their swift and professional execution of the Agusan del Sur operation and lauded the successful surrender in Surigao del Sur as a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s peace initiatives.
He reiterated his call for remaining CTG members to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law, assuring them of government support, protection, and reintegration assistance under programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Aynera also urged families and local communities to continue encouraging their relatives involved in insurgency to surrender peacefully, emphasizing that sustained cooperation is key to achieving lasting peace, stability, and development across Mindanao.
The 401st Brigade affirmed it will continue intensified operations and community-based initiatives to dismantle remaining CTG elements while ensuring a secure environment for residents in its area of responsibility.