BUTUAN CITY — Government troops have scored another major victory in the campaign to end communist insurgency in Eastern Mindanao after successfully clearing the remaining remnants of the dismantled North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and recovering a cache of high-powered firearms and war materiel surrendered by former rebels.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 401st Infantry Brigade under the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), highlighting sustained security efforts in areas previously influenced by communist insurgents.
The latest development followed the surrender of five former members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) on June 2 in Barangay Sibahay, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. Authorities described the surrender as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle the remaining structures and capabilities of the insurgent movement in the region.
The operation stemmed from a joint special intelligence effort involving the 36th Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Joselito T. Ante Jr., the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Jason F. Pangandoyon, and the 1st Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force headed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Gregorio M. Changatag.
As part of their surrender, the former rebels turned over an assortment of firearms and ammunition believed to have been concealed following the collapse of the NEMRC.
Recovered weapons included one RPK light machine gun, three M16A1 rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, and one M4 Bushmaster short-barrel rifle.
Authorities also seized one AK drum magazine, three AK magazines, 176 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five long magazines and three short magazines for 5.56mm rifles, four rounds of 40mm high-explosive ammunition, and 360 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
In addition, security forces recovered three tactical bandoliers, two military backpacks, and various subversive documents believed to be connected to the former insurgent network.
Military officials said the recovery of the firearms and war materiel significantly weakens any remaining capability of former insurgent elements to regroup or conduct armed activities in the area.
Colonel Glenn Joy Aynera, Acting Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, emphasized that the successful operation was the result of persistent clearing operations and strong inter-agency cooperation aimed at locating and neutralizing hidden weapons caches left behind by former communist rebels.
“The successful operation reflects our troops’ sustained efforts in clearing previously affected areas in close coordination with partner agencies, leading to the continuous accounting and neutralization of concealed firearms and war materiel,” Aynera said.
The military has intensified efforts to locate hidden arms depots and persuade remaining insurgent supporters to cooperate with authorities as part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to ending the decades-long communist insurgency.
Meanwhile, 4th Infantry Division Commander Major General Marion T. Angcao lauded the seamless coordination between Army and police units, stressing that the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained clearing efforts in areas formerly controlled or influenced by the now-defunct NEMRC.
According to Angcao, the surrender of former rebels and the turnover of weapons further validate the government’s peace and security initiatives, which combine military operations with community engagement and reintegration programs.
“This successful operation reflects the strong coordination between our troops and partner units, as well as the continued support of former rebels who chose the path of peace,” Angcao said.
“We remain committed to sustaining our gains and intensifying efforts to fully account for all remaining concealed firearms and war materiel, and to secure lasting peace for the people of Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions,” he added.
The NEMRC, once a key regional committee of the communist insurgency operating in Northeastern Mindanao, has been declared dismantled by security forces following years of focused military operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, and surrender initiatives.
Military officials said the latest recovery of firearms and surrender of former combatants underscores the continuing decline of insurgent influence in Eastern Mindanao and strengthens ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, stability, and development across the region.