THE 4TH Infantry (Diamond) Division reported that rebel groups operating in Caraga and Northern Mindanao suffered a setback after a series of military operations from Sept. 6 to 14.
This resulted in the deaths of two CPP-NPA terrorists (CNTs), the surrender of 16 others, and the capture of 28 high-powered firearms.
On Sept. 14, troops of the 88th Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Eric Dema-ala and based in Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, facilitated the surrender of 12 CNTs.
The group included four regular members of Headquarters Force NEO, one regular member under the former Platoon LGU of Dismantled Guerilla Front Malayag, Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2), and seven members of Milisya ng Bayan under SRC2, all under the so-called North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
The CNTs also surrendered eight M1 Garand rifles, one M16 rifle, one M653 rifle, and one homemade shotgun.
“They have nowhere to go. They are now living miserably, hungry, and exhausted because people have been avoiding them and do not support them anymore. After all, we are all Filipinos, and we are very glad that they realized the futility of fighting the government and finally ended the violence once and for all,” said BGen. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade.
On the same day, two other CNTs, members of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad (SRSDG) Westland of the so-called Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), also surrendered after successful negotiations with troops of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under the supervision of Lt. Col. Jason F. Pangandoyon, the commanding officer, at Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
Meanwhile, on Sept. 8, a platoon medic and team leader of the dismantled Guerilla Front 30, SRC Westland, NEMRC, yielded to the 36th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Vincent Viray in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, bringing along two M16 rifles.
Three more firearms—an M16 Rifle, an M203 Grenade Launcher, and an AK47 Rifle—along with war materiel were also discovered by 36IB troops at Sitio Libas, Barangay Sibahay, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, after the CNTs revealed the location.
Moreover, troops from the 401st Infantry Brigade engaged in a series of encounters against RSDG, NEMRC, led by Edilberto Reponte Daval alias Bong/Waco, and the SRC Southland, NEMRC, led by Lionida Belarmino Sanchez alias Susay/Monic, at Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
On Sept. 7, troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Jan B. Molero, clashed with 30 NPA terrorists after responding to a report of an armed group conducting extortion activities.
This resulted in the capture of four M16 Rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, one Bushmaster rifle, three AK47 rifles, six anti-personnel mines, 10 bandoliers with several magazines and live ammunition, 11 jungle backpacks full of supplies, electronic devices, cellphones, medical supplies, personal belongings, and terrorist documents.
Heavy bloodstains at the encounter site suggested major casualties on the enemy side.
Another armed engagement on Sept. 9 between the 75IB troops and fleeing CTG members resulted in the death of CNT Felipe D. Tejero Sr., alias Reb/Paulo, commanding officer of Platoon 7, DGF19, NEMRC, and the capture of an M4 rifle.
During a relentless pursuit operation on Sept. 10, the 401st Brigade troops encountered the same NPA group again.
This resulted in the death of one CNT, identified as Florencio L. Montella, alias Atoy, political instructor of RSDG, NEMRC, and former secretary of the Peasant Department, White Area Committee in the Caraga Region.
Troops also captured an M16A1 rifle with magazines and ammunition, two APM blasting caps, three bandoliers, a medical kit, and a backpack.
Brigadier General Francisco Lorenzo Jr., commander of 401Bde, said personnel from the 4th Civil-Military Operation Battalion (4CMOBn) and the 75th Infantry Battalion swiftly initiated peace-building efforts.
They conducted purposive peace dialogues or “pulong-pulong” and loudspeaker announcements in the sitios adjacent to the encounter site to assist communities and ensure residents’ safety.
“We engaged Indigenous Peoples (IP) leaders, as well as relatives of armed group members, to foster dialogue and encourage the surrender of remaining insurgents. The focus was on addressing grievances, building trust, and promoting peaceful resolutions to help restore stability and support the overall peace process in the Caraga region,” Lorenzo added.
Additionally, on Sept. 6, the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade, encountered remnants of the Dismantled GF30 at Sandayong, Barangay Calatngan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, while conducting a Focus Military Operation (FMO).
The operation led to the capture of a high-powered firearm (HPFA) and a backpack with personal belongings.
In a statement, 4ID commander Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II said the significant defeat suffered by the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in recent weeks is a testament to the troops’ professionalism and resolve to safeguard the people and maintain peace and securty.
Cuerpo also lauded the bravery of the surrenderers for abandoning the CTG and its senseless ideology, citing this as a clear manifestation of the group’s inevitable collapse.
“The steady reduction of the CTG’s manpower and firepower is a clear indication of the effectiveness of our military operations and peace initiatives. As their number dwindles due to the constant pressure that we exert, we expect their remaining leaders and members to also embrace the path to peace and live normal lives with their families,” he added.
