EASTERN Mindanao Command chief Lt Gen Rex Luis Bergante said the successive deaths of its top leaders severely crippled the New People’s Army operating in Caraga Region.
Two high-ranking leaders of the communist terrorist group (CTG) were killed in an encounter with troops from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID), in the hinterlands of Agusan del Sur on Feb. 12.
“Your commitment to eliminating CTG atrocities in our joint operational area, particularly in the Caraga Region, deserves applause,” said Bergante. “Your efforts have significantly weakened the CTG’s influence, paving the way for lasting peace and development in our communities.”
“I reiterate our call to the remaining CTG members to lay down their arms, abandon the armed struggle, and choose a peaceful life with their families,” Bergante continued. “The government remains steadfast in its efforts to support those who wish to reintegrate into society, ensuring a better future for all. Peace is always the best path forward.”
According to an incident report, the 3SFBn troops received a tip from concerned citizens about an armed group engaged in illegal activity in their community. The troops immediately responded, leading to a clash that resulted in the deaths of two ranking CTG members. They were identified as Larry Garcia, alias Joven, commanding officer of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG), Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and his vice commanding officer, alias Gaga/Garing.
During a follow-up operation, troops recovered two backpacks, a Baofeng commercial radio, medical supplies, and subversive documents.
Their deaths followed the killing of Myrna Sularte aka Maria Malaya, said to be the highest-ranking national leader of the NPA, in an encounter with the 30th Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Norte on Feb. 12.
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.
“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.
Bergante said, “Just last week, we presented 232 former rebels and their surrendered firearms to Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr. However, the death of alias ‘Maria Malaya marks the end of countless atrocities perpetrated by the CTG over decades, particularly in the Caraga region.”
“This highlights the Command’s unwavering commitment to supporting those who choose the path of peace. Through government assistance, we are helping them reintegrate into mainstream society and offering them the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” Bergante said.
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