VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte lauded the 4th Infantry Division and 901st Infantry Brigade for their successful operation leading to the neutralization of New People’s Army (NPA) leader Myrna Sularte also known as Ka Maria Malaya.
In a statement released on Feb. 24, 2025, Duterte commended the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division in Cagayan de Oro and the 901st (Fight ‘Em) Brigade in Surigao del Norte for their operation.
“A salute to the members of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division of Cagayan de Oro and the 901st (Fight ‘Em) Brigade of Surigao del Norte in the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the success of your operation in pursuing the leader of the terrorist New People’s Army, Myrna Sularte alias ‘Ka Maria Malaya,'” Duterte stated.
Duterte emphasized the significance of Sularte’s neutralization, highlighting her role as a high-ranking and influential figure within the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
She also cited the long-standing suffering caused by Sularte’s insurgency, including killings, kidnappings, torture, intimidation of civilians, and the recruitment of child soldiers.
“For a long time, the insurgency led by Sularte has been a source of pain for many Filipinos, especially in Mindanao,” Duterte said.
“Her end at the hands of our valiant soldiers is the beginning of a new chapter for the communities that suffered from the brutality of the CPP-NPA-NDF.”
However, Duterte warned that the threat of terrorism persists, citing the presence of insurgency agents within the bureaucracy who actively spread CPP-NPA-NDF ideology and propaganda.
“Despite this, the threat of terrorism continues through insurgency agents who are now part of our bureaucracy,” she said. “They are aggressive in spreading the twisted ideology of the CP-NPA-NDF along with propaganda against those who hinder their goals.”
Duterte stressed that Sularte’s neutralization is only one step in addressing the insurgency problem and called for continued vigilance against terrorism and criminality.
“Sularte is only part of our problem with the insurgency,” she said. “We still need to be vigilant against terrorism and criminality. Let us fight and completely overthrow the CPP-NPA-NDF.”
She concluded her statement with a salute to the AFP and a call for continued action against the insurgency.
This statement from the Vice President underscores the government’s continued focus on combating the communist insurgency and its commitment to ensuring peace and security in the country.
