PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Newly installed Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Major General Marion T. Angcao, paid a significant visit to the 401st Infantry Brigade on May 12, 2026, marking the first military unit he personally visited since assuming command of the division.
The visit came on the heels of a major military success following a recent armed encounter in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, where combined government troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion neutralized a high-ranking leader of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).
Killed during the operation was Edilberto Daval, also known by his aliases “Bong,” “Waco,” and “Bill,” identified by the military as the Commanding Officer of the Regional Operations Command under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA). Authorities also confirmed the capture of CTG member Jaymark Bada Lamela, alias “Miggy” or “Migz.”
MGen. Angcao visited the brigade headquarters in Barangay Awa, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, where he was welcomed by Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, Acting Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade.
During the visit, the 4ID commander led a press conference detailing the significance of the successful military operation and the continuing campaign against insurgency in the Caraga Region.
Military officials presented the firearms, ammunition, and personal belongings recovered from the slain and captured CTG members during the press conference. Among the seized items were high-powered firearms and operational materials allegedly used by the rebel group in their activities across the region.
According to the military, the presentation of the recovered war materiel forms part of the government’s intensified efforts to sustain security operations and prevent the resurgence of armed communist groups in northeastern Mindanao.
MGen. Angcao emphasized the importance of operational readiness and collaboration with local government units in preserving peace and stability in conflict-affected communities.
“Stay focused on the mission, maintain constant readiness, strengthen coordination with local government, enforce peace, and build lasting peace,” Angcao told the troops.
He also commended the soldiers for their dedication and sacrifices in carrying out operations aimed at protecting civilians and ensuring security in the Caraga Region.
The 4th Infantry Division reiterated its commitment to sustaining focused military operations against remaining CTG elements while supporting peacebuilding and development initiatives in vulnerable communities.
Military officials said the successful operation in Marihatag underscores the continuing gains of government security forces in weakening insurgent networks and restoring stability in the region.