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3rd Special Forces Battalion

4ID troops seize seven firearms belonging to communist rebels

by Rhoda Grace Saron July 19, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 4TH Infantry Division (4ID) seized seven high-powered firearms and explosives during twin military operations against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Caraga on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

In Barangay Kolambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, a combined force from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) under the 401st Infantry Brigade and the 67th Infantry Battalion under the 10th Infantry Division intercepted two M16 rifles, two AK-47 rifles, one M1 Garand rifle, and a homemade shotgun.

On the same day in Barangay Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, a separate joint team composed of the 3SFBn, the 36th Infantry Battalion, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) recovered an additional M16 rifle, ammunition, magazines, and two deadly anti-personnel improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“This accomplishment reflects the strong collaboration between our troops and peace-loving communities in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur,” said BGEN Benjamin L. Leander, commander of the 401st Brigade. “Every firearm captured denies the CTG the means to sow violence and threaten the safety of our people.”

While all CTG units in Caraga have officially been dismantled, the 4ID leadership maintains that victory requires vigilance.

Major General Marion T. Angcao, commander of the 4ID, commended the joint troops, emphasizing that the declaration of SIPS is a milestone, not the end of the line.

“Our mission does not end there,” Maj. Gen. Angcao warned. “We will sustain our focused military operations and together, we will safeguard the gains of SIPS for the benefit of every Caraganon, and prevent any resurgence of the CTG.”

July 19, 2026 0 comments

News

1 killed in clash between soldiers and rebels in Surigao

by Rhoda Grace Saron May 12, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

A REBEL leader was killed in an encounter between joint elements of the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and communist guerrillas in Sitio Casting, Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, on Monday, May 11.

The rebel was identified as Edilberto Daval, also known as Bong/Waco/Bill, the 2nd deputy secretary of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Executive Committee.

During the clash, troops also captured Jaymark Bada Lamela, alias Miggy, a member of the ROC.

Government forces recovered high-powered firearms from the site, including a Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle and an R4 rifle.

Col. Glenn Joy U. Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, which has operational control over the two battalions, described the operation as a sign of the “continuing collapse” of the insurgent leadership in the region.

The development follows a string of military successes, including the April 17 neutralization of Daval’s wife, Lucena Canda (alias Louise/Madi), during a separate encounter.

“The neutralization of key personalities disrupts their remaining network and reflects the effectiveness of sustained military operations and strong community support,” Aynera stated.

Following the encounter, the military renewed its call for remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to surrender.

Aynera emphasized that the government is ready to provide reintegration assistance to those who choose to return to the fold of the law.

May 12, 2026 0 comments

News

401st Brigade neutralizes NPA member, seizes weapons in Surigao Clash

by Rhoda Grace Saron April 17, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

COMBINED government forces dealt a significant blow to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Northeastern Mindanao following a successful intelligence-driven operation in the hinterlands of Surigao del Sur on Wednesday, April 15.

Troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, operating under the 401st Infantry Brigade, engaged rebels in Sitio Bulacan, Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel at around noon.

The operation, led by acting brigade commander Col Glenn Joy U. Aynera, targeted the remaining Regional Operations Command (ROC) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) members, reportedly headed by Edilberto Reponte Daval, alias Ka Bong or Wako.

A brief but intense firefight forced the rebels to retreat, abandoning the body of a comrade identified as alias Ka Keroy.

In addition to the casualties, government troops seized five high-powered firearms and various pieces of military equipment at the scene.

Military officials confirmed that the mission was initiated after local residents, weary of the CTG’s reported extortion and demands for food supplies, provided a tip-off regarding the group’s location.

Aynera visited the encounter site following the clash, accompanied by the Commanding Officers of the 75IB and 3SFBn, to boost the morale of the frontline personnel.

“Your efforts and sacrifices made this success possible,” Aynera told the troops. “This achievement is aligned with the command’s objective to dismantle the NEMRC. We must continue to give our best to ensure the region is declared peaceful and ready for further development.”

April 17, 2026 0 comments

News

NPA remnant surrenders in Surigao del Sur, turns over rifle and landmines

by Rhoda Grace Saron July 2, 2025

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

A MEMBER of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrendered to government troops in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on July 1, 2025.

The military only identified him as alias Jexan, one of the remaining CTG members operating in the area, who turned over one AK47 rifle and two anti-personnel mines upon his surrender.

It was the result of collaborative efforts between the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) and concerned local residents who reportedly helped facilitate his peaceful surrender.

Lieutenant Colonel Jason F. Pangandoyon, commanding officer of the 3SFBn, underscored the vital role of community cooperation in the success of localized peace engagement initiatives.

“The surrender of alias Jexan is a product of the strong cooperation between our troops and the local residents who are already weary of the decades-long armed struggle,” Pangandoyon stated. “This act is not just a step toward peace for the individual but also for the entire community.”

Jexan is currently under the custody of the 3SFBn for custodial debriefing, a standard procedure under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The process aims to thoroughly assess his background and intentions, facilitating his smooth transition back into civilian life.

E-CLIP provides former rebels with a comprehensive package of benefits, including financial assistance, livelihood support, housing, and other social services to aid their reintegration.

The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) continues to call on the remaining members of the CTG to abandon armed struggle and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs.

July 2, 2025 0 comments