IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continues to gain ground against the remaining communist insurgency in Bukidnon as additional members of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) voluntarily surrendered along with their firearms, the military announced.
According to the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion (8IB), operating under the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, the latest surrender marks another significant setback for the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), which has reportedly suffered a series of leadership losses in recent months.
Military officials attributed the latest wave of surrenders to the successful neutralization of two senior NCMRC leaders this year—Bonifacio Lutawan, also known as “Tado,” the former Commanding Officer of the Regional Operations Command, who was killed in February 2026, and Romeo Mampinsahan, alias “Kakoy,” Commanding Officer of Headquarters Force NEO, who was neutralized on June 21, 2026.
The Army said the deaths of the two key commanders severely disrupted the organization’s command and control structure, weakened its operational capability, and lowered the morale of its remaining members, prompting more rebels to abandon the armed movement and return to the government’s fold.
Aside from surrendering, the former rebels also turned over their firearms, an act that military officials described as a manifestation of their genuine commitment to peaceful reintegration and support for the government’s peace and development initiatives.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeorge R. Jallorina, Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, said the continuing surrender of former rebels demonstrates that many have realized armed struggle no longer offers a viable future.
“The Communist Terrorist Group is steadily losing its strength, and its dismantling is now within reach. While we remain relentless in pursuing those who continue to sow violence, we equally welcome those who choose peace. Our doors remain open for every member who wishes to return to their families and become productive members of society,” Jallorina said.
He also appealed to the remaining members of the NCMRC to surrender peacefully while the opportunity remains, assuring them that the government is prepared to provide assistance through existing reintegration, livelihood, and support programs aimed at helping former rebels rebuild their lives.
The 8th Infantry Battalion reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining focused military operations against armed insurgents while simultaneously strengthening peacebuilding efforts through close collaboration with local government units, Indigenous Peoples, and partner communities.
Military officials expressed optimism that these combined security and development initiatives will further accelerate the dismantling of the remaining insurgent networks and contribute to the realization of an insurgency-free, peaceful, and progressive Bukidnon.