MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Government forces scored a major victory against the communist insurgency in Northern Mindanao after a series of military operations on Sunday, June 21, 2026, resulted in the deaths of a high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader and another rebel fighter, while troops recovered three high-powered firearms during separate encounters in Bukidnon.
The operations, carried out by frontline units under the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID), targeted remnants of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), one of the weakened armed formations of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating in the region.
The most significant blow came in Sitio Nalumosan, Barangay Silae, Malaybalay City, where troops from the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8IB), under the operational control of the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, neutralized Romeo Mampinsahan, also known as “Kakoy” or “Yuman,” the Commanding Officer of Headquarters Force NEO under the NCMRC.
Military reports said government troops launched a focused operation after receiving information from concerned civilians regarding the presence of armed rebels in the area. The operation led to a brief but intense firefight lasting approximately five minutes.
Following the clash, the rebels withdrew toward the southern direction, leaving behind Mampinsahan’s body. Troops recovered two high-powered firearms, magazines, ammunition, a backpack, and other personal belongings from the encounter site.
Earlier that same day, troops from the 1st Special Forces Battalion encountered the same group of fleeing rebels in Sitio Tagiptip, Barangay Iba, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. The encounter resulted in the death of another NPA member identified as Edward Pantandon, alias “Wando,” and the seizure of an M16 rifle.
Military officials said the two engagements formed part of a sustained campaign to dismantle the remaining leadership and armed elements of the NCMRC.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeorge R. Jallorina, Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, described the neutralization of Mampinsahan as a significant development in the government’s counterinsurgency efforts.
“The neutralization of a key CTG leader is a significant step toward weakening the remaining insurgent structure in Bukidnon,” Jallorina said. “While we extend our sympathies to the family of Romeo Mampinsahan, we continue to call on the remaining members of the NCMRC to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law. The government is ready to help them start a new life and reunite with their families.”
Jallorina disclosed that the group encountered in Sitio Nalumosan was believed to be the same unit previously tracked by government forces and linked to a rebel leader known as alias “Tado” under Headquarters Force NEO of the NCMRC.
He added that troops engaged the group twice during the day, with encounters occurring around 11:35 a.m. and shortly after noon. No military casualties were reported, although the army believes additional rebels may have been wounded during the firefights.
The death of Mampinsahan marks another major setback for the NCMRC. According to military records, six key leaders had previously been identified within the regional committee. Of those, three have already been neutralized through the efforts of the 8th Infantry Battalion, including two who voluntarily surrendered and one who was killed in combat.
Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the successful operations further demonstrate the declining strength and operational capability of the NCMRC.
“The continuous pressure applied by our troops is significantly degrading the remaining armed elements of the NCMRC. These accomplishments reflect the effectiveness of our focused military operations and the support of local communities,” Tubalado said.
The operations were supported by troops from the 88th Infantry Battalion, 26th Infantry Battalion, the 41st and 42nd Division Reconnaissance Companies, artillery units from the 4th and 7th Field Artillery Battalions, and intelligence units of the 4th Infantry Division.
Major General Marion T. Angcao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, emphasized that the operation reflects the military’s commitment to preventing the resurgence of communist terrorist activities in Bukidnon and neighboring provinces.
“The 8th Infantry ‘Dependable’ Battalion remains resolute in dismantling the remaining members of the NCMRC within the timeline set by higher headquarters. We will continue to intensify our operations while offering every opportunity for peaceful surrender and reintegration,” Angcao said.
Meanwhile, local residents expressed surprise over the presence of armed rebels in the area.
Purok Chairman Pensahan of Sitio Nalumosan said community leaders were conducting a meeting when gunfire suddenly erupted nearby. He admitted they were unaware that NPA members had entered the sitio and were shocked to learn afterward that a high-ranking rebel leader had been killed.
According to the village official, the encounter occurred only about 100 meters from the center of the community, causing alarm among residents who initially did not realize that government troops and rebels were already engaged in a firefight.
The military has since renewed its appeal for remaining insurgents to surrender and take advantage of government reintegration programs, while urging civilians to continue providing timely information that could help prevent violence and protect communities from the influence of armed rebel groups.
The latest operations underscore the continuing efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to dismantle what remains of the NCMRC and bring lasting peace and security to Bukidnon and the rest of Northern Mindanao.