PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — A string of high-profile surrenders by members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the Caraga Region has dealt another major blow to the insurgency movement in Eastern Mindanao, with military officials declaring that the rebel structure under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) is now on the verge of collapse.
The latest surrender involved Eusebio “Silvio” Gultiano Peru, also known by the aliases Lee, Pitong, Tarzan, and Carpo, a PSR-listed CTG member identified as a security officer of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) under the NEMRC. He voluntarily surrendered to government forces on May 16, 2026, following intensified security operations spearheaded by the 401st Infantry Brigade.
Military authorities said the surrender was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the 75th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Provincial Intelligence Unit of Surigao del Sur, and the Marihatag Municipal Police Station.
Following his surrender, Peru disclosed the location of a hidden firearm cache in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, which led authorities to recover one R4 rifle with a loaded magazine containing six rounds of ammunition.
Army officials revealed that Peru had previously figured in an armed encounter with government troops on May 11, 2026, in Sitio Casting, Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, before eventually deciding to abandon the armed struggle and surrender to authorities.
Prior to Peru’s surrender, joint military operations conducted on May 15 also resulted in the surrender of two other CTG members identified as Lovilito Lamela, alias “Bero” or “Hapon,” a squad leader of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG) under the NEMRC, and Gina Sawan, alias “LG,” who served as a medical officer and medic of the group.
Their surrender yielded the turnover of one AK-47 rifle, one rifle grenade, one scope, and three AK-47 magazines.
In a separate development, the 29th Infantry Battalion facilitated the surrender of Cheryl Tremidal Neniel, also known as “Melon,” “Cry-Cry,” and “Archie,” a member of Squad 2, SRSDG WL, NEMRC. Neniel surrendered through civil-military cooperation initiatives at the headquarters of the 29th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.
Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, Acting Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the consecutive surrenders indicate the rapid disintegration of the CTG structure in Caraga.
“These successive surrenders clearly indicate the final and eventual collapse of the CTG structure in CARAGA,” Aynera said.
“Through intensified security operations, strengthened collaboration, and the government’s reintegration programs, these remaining CTG members realized that returning to the folds of the law is the better path toward peace and a productive future,” he added.
Aynera assured the former rebels that the government is prepared to provide assistance, support services, and livelihood opportunities through reintegration initiatives aimed at helping them rebuild their lives.
Meanwhile, Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of Joint Task Force Diamond, commended the collaborative efforts of the 401st Infantry Brigade and partner law enforcement agencies, saying the recent developments reflect the irreversible decline of the insurgency movement in the region.
“The surrender of these CTG members, along with the recovery of their firearms, further demonstrates the irreversible decline of the NEMRC,” Angcao stated.
He emphasized that sustained military pressure, aggressive security operations, and growing community support have significantly weakened the rebel movement in Caraga.
“These developments reflect the growing realization among remaining CTG members that armed struggle no longer serves their cause,” Angcao said.
The military official also urged remaining insurgents to surrender, avail of government reintegration programs, and participate in peace-building and development efforts.
“Joint Task Force DIAMOND remains fully committed to ending insurgency and ensuring lasting peace, security, and progress in Eastern Mindanao,” he added.
The 401st Infantry Brigade reiterated its commitment to sustaining security and peacebuilding operations across insurgency-affected communities while strengthening reconciliation and long-term development programs under the government’s whole-of-nation approach.
Military officials described the recent wave of surrenders as a significant breakthrough in the campaign against insurgency and a major step toward achieving lasting peace and stability in Caraga and the rest of Eastern Mindanao.