NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the death of Myrna Sularte, a high-ranking NPA terrorist, is a major victory for peace and security, bringing long-overdue justice to the countless innocent Filipinos who suffered at the hands of the Communist Terrorist group (CTG).
“Myrna Sularte, alias ‘Maria Malaya, played a central role in orchestrating the group’s decades-long campaign of violence, deception, and exploitation, particularly in Mindanao,” Secretary Año said.
“Her demise is a major victory for peace and security, bringing long-overdue justice to the countless innocent Filipinos who suffered at the hands of the CTG, “he added.
NSA Secretary Año said”We commend the Philippine Army for its resolute efforts and operational excellence in this achievement. This success is a testament to the solid commitment of our security forces, who continue to risk their lives to protect our people and secure our nation’s future.”
Moreover, he said “Equally vital to this success is the whole-of-nation approach, exemplified by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Through its programs aimed at addressing the root causes of insurgency—poverty, lack of opportunities, and misinformation—the task force has played a crucial role in weakening the CTG’s influence and dismantling its support networks.
Lieutenant General Rex Luis Bergante, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), said on Friday that government troops made numerous attempts to encourage Myrna Sularte, the highest-ranking national leader of the New People’s Army (NPA), to surrender before she was killed in an encounter with the 30th Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Norte on Feb. 12.
“Hindi tayo nagkulang sa paghikayat sa kanya na bumaba na (We did not fail to encourage her to surrender),” Bergante told TIMES on Thursday evening.
Bergante commended the dedication of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond troops and the support from civilians, which led to the successful operation resulting in Sularte’s death.
He expressed condolences to her family and called on remaining NPA members to abandon armed struggle and surrender peacefully.
“It is unfortunate that things had to end this way. Over the past few months, we made numerous attempts to reach out to her,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commanding general of the Philippine Army, said the death of Sularte, alias Maria Malaya, marked the end of an era of terror in Mindanao.
Sularte was the widow of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, former leader of the CTG’s National Operations Command (NOC) and Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID), and the successor to former top CTG leaders Wilma and Benito Tiamzon, both previously neutralized by the Philippine Army.
“Her neutralization is the most sought-after justice for the loved ones of countless innocent Filipinos whose lives were wasted as a result of the CTGs’ deceptive, futile, violent, and self-serving power struggle to undermine the country’s democracy,” Galido stated.
The death of Sularte, aka Maria Malaya, has potentially crippled the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee since the communist guerrilla leader had no potential successor, 4th Infantry Division commander, Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr. said in a recent interview.
Anayron anticipated a wave of surrenders in the coming days after Sularte was reportedly killed in a clash between soldiers and communist fighters in Sitio Imelda, Barangay Pianing, Butuan City on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Sularte was neutralized on Feb. 12th, by troops from the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB), under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID), during an encounter in Sitio Tagulahi, Barangay Pianing, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
According to the 901st Infantry Brigade report, troops responded to information from citizens regarding armed individuals engaged in illegal activities. Sularte, alias “Maria Malaya” and “Ka Iyay,” was identified as the neutralized CNT. She served as Secretary of the NEMRC, Political Bureau Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and Executive Committee member of KOMMID.
Sularte operated in the Caraga Region and Northern Mindanao, where she was responsible for numerous atrocities, including killings, destruction of government projects, and other terrorist activities.
Sularte, a native of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, was one of the most wanted NPA leaders in the country. She faced multiple criminal charges, including murder, multiple murders, frustrated murder, robbery with double homicide, destruction of property, and other offenses.
Photo courtesy of NSC
