SOLDIERS of the 901st Infantry Brigade seized a dozen high-powered firearms in Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte through a combination of surrenders and strategic cache recoveries.
These operations, conducted by the 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions between June 18 and July 4, 2025, are seen as a significant step toward lasting peace in the region.
The efforts led to the 29th IB recovering an arms cache containing eight firearms, while the 30th IB facilitated the surrender of two former Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members, who also turned over their issued firearms, and uncovered another cache with two high-powered weapons.
The surrendered individuals were identified as members of the CTG’s SRSDG Westland, NEMRC, a group recently involved in a series of armed engagements with 30th IB troops in Barangay Bugas-Bugas, Placer, Surigao del Norte, from June 13 to 15.
The breakthroughs began on June 18, when “alias Rem,” who had surrendered after a June 14 encounter, provided crucial information.
This led the 30th IB, led by Lieutenant Colonel Albert Batingga, to an arms cache containing two M16 rifles in the hinterlands of Sitio Alimatok, Brgy. Mabini, Placer, Surigao del Norte.
Further progress was made on June 20 and June 23, as “alias Allen” and “alias Agreb,” both CTG members, surrendered to the 30th IB at their headquarters in Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.
They turned over their M16 rifles, magazines, and ammunition. Despite initially attempting to evade capture after the encounters, they eventually sought a peaceful surrender.
The intelligence provided by “alias Rem” continued to bear fruit. On July 3 and 4, a joint operation by the 29th IB, under Lieutenant Colonel Mark Tabon, and the 30th IB led to the discovery of another significant arms cache.
Located in Mounts Sinamparong and Badjang, Barangay Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, this cache contained eight firearms, specifically seven AK-47s and one M16.
These recent successes are directly linked to the series of encounters from June 13 to 15, when the 30th IB clashed with members of SRSDG Westland, led by Roderick Maco, also known as “alias Rodel.”
The CTG members were attempting to re-establish former mass bases in Surigao del Norte. These engagements resulted in the neutralization of five members—three killed in action and two who surrendered. The remaining members dispersed, ultimately leading to the surrender of alias Allen and alias Agreb, and the subsequent recovery of the arms caches revealed by alias Rem.
According to alias Rem, the recovered firearms were intended for distribution to new recruits as part of the CTG’s plan to establish a solid mass base in Surigao del Norte and northern Agusan del Norte.
However, these plans were thwarted by the military’s decisive actions, which saw the death of their leader and key members, and the subsequent surrender of many others.
Brigadier General Arsenio Sadural, Commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, affirmed the significance of these operations.
“As I reiterate, the CTGs have no chance of recovering Surigao del Norte and northern parts of Agusan del Norte given the people’s widespread awareness of their terroristic acts,” Sadural stated.
“Surigao del Norte’s status as an insurgency-free is a testament to the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders and communities in preventing the resurgence of armed insurgents.”
Photos courtesy of 901st Infantry Brigade
