THE COMMUNISt New People’s Army (NPA) Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) has completely collapsed following the surrender of its final remaining members to government forces, according to the 4th Infantry Division.
The military credited the total dismantling of the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) major regional formation to the relentless operations of the 4th Infantry Division, conducted in close coordination with partner units and local stakeholders.
The final blow occured on Thursday, May 28, when its last five remaining members surrendered to joint elements of the 401st Infantry Brigade and the PNP Special Action Force in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.
This followed a separate breakthrough just a day prior. On May 27, three other members of the Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) under the NEMRC yielded to the 401st Infantry Brigade. They turned over one carbine rifle, three carbine magazines, and 28 rounds of ammunition.
The military said the communist group’s cohesion deteriorated following the death of their top leader, Edilberto Daval (alias Bong/Waco/Bill), who was killed in a combat encounter with government troops on May 11.
Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Brigade, confirmed that the former rebels voluntarily stepped forward to pledge their support to the government’s ongoing peace and development initiatives.
“This significant development marks another major milestone in our intensified campaign to end insurgency in the Caraga Region,” Aynera said. “The surrender of these remaining members signifies the complete dismantling of one of the CTG’s major regional formations operating in Northeastern Mindanao.”
Major General Marion Angcao lauded the collaborative efforts of the troops, local government units, and community stakeholders that led to the neutralization and eventual collapse of the NEMRC.
“The total collapse of the NEMRC is a testament to the effectiveness of our focused military operations, strengthened collaboration with local government units, and the unwavering support of the communities,” the 4ID commander said. “This achievement brings us closer to attaining lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.”
The military leadership emphasized that the government remains fully committed to helping the former rebels safely reintegrate into mainstream society.
The surrenderers will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to receive immediate financial, livelihood, and psychosocial assistance.
