CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City — Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who had reportedly been on the run in Northern Mindanao surrendered to government troops following the death of a top leader of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) during a series of encounters in Agusan del Sur.
The three NPA members surrendered separately between September 15 and 17, 2026, just days after Julia Cagadas, alias “Rheda,” identified by the military as a top NCMRC leader, was killed during encounters in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, on September 12.
According to the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, the three individuals had fled the encounter area and later turned themselves over to government forces in Agusan del Norte.
The first surrenderer was identified as Claire M. Dalagon, alias “Cloud,” who was described by the military as the finance officer of Headquarters Force Neo of the NCMRC. Dalagon surrendered to personnel of the 1st Special Forces Battalion in the vicinity of Barangay Maningalao, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, on September 15.
Two other members followed on September 17.
They were identified as William Boskada Manligayan, alias “Kevin,” reportedly a squad leader, and Allan Bakero Tahal, alias “Ading,” described as a regular member of the same group.
Manligayan and Tahal surrendered to joint personnel from the 23rd Infantry Battalion, 58th Infantry Battalion, and intelligence units at the 23IB headquarters in Barangay Alubijid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.
During their surrender, the two also turned over one M16 rifle, a magazine, and ammunition to government forces.
The military said the successive surrender of the three individuals is an indication of continuing pressure on NCMRC remnants operating in the region following the September 12 encounter.
Major General Marion T. Angcao, commander of the 4ID, said the development demonstrates what the military described as the diminishing capability of NCMRC remnants to sustain armed activities.
“The surrender of these remaining members is a clear indication that the armed group has lost its ability to sustain its operations and influence,” Angcao said.
He added that the surrender of the three also demonstrates that abandoning the armed struggle and pursuing peaceful reintegration remain options available to individuals who choose to leave the underground movement.
The 4ID commander emphasized that military operations are primarily intended to protect communities and preserve peace and security gains achieved through the combined efforts of government forces, local governments, communities, and other stakeholders.
“Our operations will always prioritize the protection of lives and communities,” Angcao said, while calling on other remaining NPA members to surrender peacefully rather than continue their involvement in armed activities.
He said continued participation in the armed conflict can have consequences not only for combatants but also for their families and communities.
The military further assured the three surrenderers that the government would extend appropriate assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), a government program intended to support former communist rebels who choose to abandon the armed struggle and return to civilian life.
The latest surrender comes amid continuing military operations against remaining NPA formations in parts of Mindanao, where government forces have intensified efforts to dismantle armed units and encourage their members to return to their communities through government reintegration mechanisms.
For communities in conflict-affected areas, authorities said the objective remains focused on reducing armed violence, protecting civilians, and sustaining local peace and security gains.