CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army, led by Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., continues to make strides in its campaign against communist insurgency in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Region. A series of surrenders by Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members highlights the dwindling strength of the insurgents in the region.
On March 24, 2025, seven members of the New People’s Army (NPA) from Northeastern Mindanao voluntarily surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. The individuals were identified as Luiegy Rebucas Sagay, Lilian Trabaho Carbonilla, Ariel Enriquez, Henry Pinao, Joel Dayong, Arnel Pinao, and Jomar Pinao. Simultaneously, two more NPA members—Onel Mahinay and Joan Salahay Oganion—surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion in Puyat Carmen, Surigao del Sur. Both battalions operate under the 901st Infantry Brigade.
The surrendering insurgents turned over various firearms and explosives, including an M16A1 rifle, an Armscor shotgun, a .45 caliber pistol, an anti-personnel mine with remote detonation devices, and shrapnel materials.
Earlier, on March 18, 2025, Arman Gonzales Marianas, an alleged Militia ng Bayan member, surrendered to the 58th Infantry Battalion. Similarly, on March 12, 2025, key figures of the NPA remnants in Northeastern Mindanao, Carl Vladimir Castro Enriquez and Crista Ontua Tejero, capitulated to the 401st Infantry Brigade. Tejero, a former squad leader, played a significant role in the insurgency. Their surrender led to the recovery of an M16A1 rifle, a KG9 submachine gun, a .45 caliber pistol, and several rounds of live ammunition.
In addition, the 26th Infantry Battalion secured the surrender of four more NPA members, resulting in the turnover of an AK-47 rifle, a Carbine 5.56 rifle, a Carbine rifle, and two Garand rifles, along with ammunition and magazines. Recognizing their dedication, Major General Anayron Jr. personally awarded Military Merit Medals to the troops involved.
The recent wave of surrenders underscores the declining morale and operational capacity of the CTG. Sustained military pressure, coupled with the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), has provided a viable path for rebels to reintegrate into society.
Major General Anayron Jr. reiterated 4ID’s commitment to peace and security, urging remaining insurgents to surrender.
“The government is committed to helping former rebels rebuild their lives. The fight against insurgency is nearing its end, and now is the time to choose peace over conflict. We urge the remaining CTG members to surrender and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs. As insurgency weakens, lasting peace is within reach,” he stated.
The Philippine Army continues its intensified operations against insurgents, working toward a more stable and peaceful future in Northern Mindanao and Caraga.