San Miguel, Surigao del Sur — April 17, 2026
Government troops intensified their campaign against insurgent forces in Caraga, resulting in the deaths of two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the surrender of another during a military operation in a mountainous village of Surigao del Sur, the Philippine Army reported.
Elements of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion under the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division engaged remnants of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at around 9:00 a.m. on Friday in Barangay San Roque, San Miguel town.
Among those killed was Lucy Canda, also known by her aliases “Luis” and “Madi,” identified as the Finance Officer of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and a member of the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG). Also slain was Gia Miano, alias “Plender” or “Moning,” another member of the same group.
Meanwhile, their team leader, Jun Requina Jr., alias “Junjun,” voluntarily surrendered to government forces following the clash. Authorities said the group was operating under the command of a regional leader known as “Ka Bong Waco.”
The encounter came just two days after a separate firefight on April 15 involving the 75th Infantry (Marauder) Battalion in Barangay Bolhoon, also in San Miguel. That earlier operation resulted in the death of another CTG member and the recovery of five firearms.
Military officials said the sustained operations reflect increasing pressure on the dwindling rebel forces in the region.
Lieutenant Colonel Rey Vergel Annogui, commanding officer of the 30th Infantry Battalion, credited the success of the latest operation to improved intelligence and the growing cooperation of local communities.
“Despite attempts by the CTG to regain strength and re-establish their mass base, communities are no longer receptive to their presence,” Annogui said. “The vigilance of residents and their timely reporting have been crucial in the conduct of our operations.”
Authorities also disclosed that Canda had a long history with the insurgency. She was previously arrested in October 2006 following an encounter with government troops in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur and was charged with rebellion. After serving a prison sentence of 12 to 14 years, she reportedly returned to the underground movement and rose to a leadership position. She was also identified as the spouse of Ka Bong Waco.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, commended the troops for their relentless pursuit operations and lauded the support of civilians in the area.
He emphasized that strong collaboration between the military, local government units, and communities remains key to sustaining gains against insurgent groups.
Anayron said the division is intensifying focused military operations against the remaining eight armed NPA members believed to be operating in the Caraga region. He expressed confidence that continued pressure and community support would lead to either the neutralization or surrender of the remaining rebels.
The military reiterated its call for remaining insurgents to abandon armed struggle and avail themselves of government reintegration programs, as efforts continue to bring lasting peace and development to conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.