PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Three members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to the 401st Infantry “Unite N’ Fight” Brigade on May 27, 2026, signaling what military officials described as the continuing disintegration of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) in Caraga and Eastern Mindanao.
The surrender took place under the supervision of Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, Acting Brigade Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade.
The former rebels were identified as Edelberto Eda alias “Toto/Migz,” Belenda Eda alias “Nene,” and Hazel Bautista alias “Chimbee.” All three were reportedly serving as security personnel under the Regional Operations Command (ROC) of the NEMRC.
Military authorities said the surrenderers also turned over one Carbine rifle, three magazines, and 28 rounds of ammunition.
According to the 401st Infantry Brigade, the surrender came after intensified intelligence operations conducted by government forces, coupled with the reported loss of alias “Bong/Wago/Bill,” a key figure whose absence allegedly left the rebel unit disorganized and without clear leadership.
Colonel Aynera said the recent wave of surrenders reflects the accelerating collapse of the CTG structure in the region.
“These successive surrenders signal the collapse of the CTG structure in Caraga. Through intensified operations, inter-agency cooperation, and reintegration programs, more CTG members are choosing to return to the folds of the law for a peaceful and productive life,” Aynera said.
He added that the brigade remains committed to implementing the government’s whole-of-nation approach in achieving Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) across Caraga and Eastern Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of Joint Task Force Diamond, commended the efforts of the 401st Infantry Brigade and its partner agencies for sustaining focused military and intelligence operations against insurgent groups.
“The surrender of these CTG members, along with the recovery of their firearms, further demonstrates the irreversible decline of the NEMRC,” Angcao said.
“These developments reflect the growing realization among the remaining CTG members that armed struggle no longer serves their cause,” he added as he urged remaining rebels to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration and livelihood assistance programs.
Authorities said the surrender forms part of the government’s continuing campaign to weaken insurgency operations in Mindanao through coordinated military action, intelligence work, and community-based reintegration efforts aimed at encouraging rebels to return to mainstream society.