MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Philippines — Philippine Army civil-military personnel extended humanitarian assistance to the bereaved family of Julia Maagad Cagadas, alias “Rheda,” a former senior cadre of the New People’s Army (NPA), during her funeral and interment in Misamis Oriental on September 22, 2026.
The assistance was provided by the 4th Civil-Military Operations “Kasaligan” Battalion (4CMOBn), Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army, under the operational control of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, together with personnel from the 3rd Civil-Military Operations Company under the operational control of the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade.
The humanitarian effort was carried out in coordination with the 403rd Infantry Brigade, 402nd Infantry “Stinger” Brigade and 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion, which also extended support to the bereaved family during the funeral rites.
Under the leadership of Lt. Col. Tony C. Bugawan, commander of the 4CMOBn, Army personnel assisted in the dignified transfer of Cagadas’ remains from her residence to St. Maria de la Candelaria Church, where the funeral Mass was held, and later to Tagoloan Cemetery for her final interment.
Bugawan also conveyed his condolences to Cagadas’ family, relatives and friends, emphasizing that humanitarian considerations should prevail during times of grief regardless of a person’s previous affiliations.
“In times of grief, compassion must prevail. Regardless of one’s past affiliations, every family deserves dignity, respect, and compassion in laying their loved one to rest,” Bugawan said.
Cagadas’ death had previously been reported following armed encounters between government forces and NPA members in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, on September 10 and 12. The CPP-North Central Mindanao Region subsequently identified her as one of four NPA members killed during the encounters.
The earlier reports identified Cagadas, also referred to in different accounts as “Ka Rida,” “Ka Toyang,” “Ka Kayuka,” “Nanay” and “Rheda,” as a longtime NPA and Communist Party cadre in North Central Mindanao. The military had described her as a senior NPA leader and secretary of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, while the CPP-NCMR characterized her as one of its leading cadres in the region. Those descriptions came from the respective parties and were not independently verified.
The September encounters involved government troops and an armed NPA group operating in the mountainous portions of Barangay Bakingking. The military reported that four NPA members were killed during the series of engagements, while firearms were recovered and three other NPA members reportedly surrendered with their weapons.
With the funeral now concluded, the Army said the humanitarian assistance reflected its commitment to compassion, professionalism and respect for human dignity, particularly for families facing grief and loss.
The 4CMOBn said it would continue its engagement with communities and support humanitarian initiatives intended to contribute to reconciliation, unity and lasting peace in Northern Mindanao.
The assistance also illustrates the distinction between security operations and humanitarian engagement: even amid a prolonged armed conflict, the military said families of deceased individuals are entitled to dignity and compassion during the final rites of their loved ones.