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Former 1003rd brigade chief takes reins of 4th Infantry Division

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

BRIGADIER General Marion T. Angcao, the veteran commander credited with maintaining Davao City’s insurgency-free status, assumes command of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

The change of command ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the 4ID headquarters in Camp Evangelista.

Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete will preside over the transition as the guest of honor and speaker, according to Lt. Col. Jelyn Fallar, 4ID Public Affairs Office chief in a message to TIMES on Friday.

Angcao takes over the leadership of the Diamond Division from Brig. Gen. Seigfred Tubalado. Tubalado, the commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, had been serving as the acting division chief following the retirement of Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr. on April 28, 2026.

The appointment of Angcao is effective as of May 1, 2026, marking a swift transition from his most recent high-level post as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3) of the Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio.Angcao’s rise to a division command follows a distinguished career heavily rooted in the Davao Region.

His notable previous assignments included being appointed as G3, Philippine Army; 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander; acting chief of staff of the Presidential Security Group (PSG); and 73rd Infantry Battalion commander from 2017 to 2019, where he led successful counter-insurgency operations in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maalab” Class of 1993, Angcao is recognized as one of the Army’s top strategists.

He holds a Master’s degree in Development and Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines and a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense University in Washington DC, where he graduated in 2020.

His assumption of the 4ID comes at a critical time as the military continues to shift its focus from internal security to territorial defense, while simultaneously maintaining the gains of peace in Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

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Top NPA finance officers surrender in Bukidnon

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

TWO HIGH-RANKING officers of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) surrendered to government forces.

The military identified the surrenderees as Marren (alias Richard/Makong) and Nora (alias Ensi), both finance officers and staff officers of Sub-Regional Committee 1, NCMRC, who were officially presented to authorities on Feb. 4.

The surrender was the result of a coordinated operation by the 8th Infantry Battalion, led by Lt Col Jeorge R. Jallorina. The formal presentation took place at the 403rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Camp Osito D. Bahian, presided over by Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque.

During the ceremony, Roque emphasized that the surrender was part of a broader “healing” process for the province. 

He reaffirmed that the provincial government will provide full support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“Through E-CLIP and our various reintegration initiatives, we are ensuring that former rebels have the tools, support, and safety necessary to rebuild their lives and contribute to a prosperous Bukidnon,” Roque said

Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, and Brig Gen Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Brigade, reiterated that the military’s role extends beyond combat.

Military leaders noted that while they remain vigilant in securing communities, the “hand of reconciliation” remains open for those willing to abandon the armed struggle in favor of a law-abiding life.

The surrender of high-ranking finance officers is seen as a strategic win, as it disrupts the logistical and financial capabilities of the local insurgent units.

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Quezon town gains ‘peace’ status

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE MUNICIPALITY of Quezon in Bukidnon was formally declared insurgency-free during a landmark ceremony on Dec. 19, 2025.

The declaration was the result of a collaborative effort between the Quezon local government unit, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Leading the ground operations was the 89th Infantry (MAKATAO) Battalion, under the 1003rd Infantry Brigade. 

Guided by Lt. Col. Antonio G. Bulao I, the battalion combined tactical security operations with community engagement to dismantle insurgent influence, ultimately leading the community to declare the CPP-NPA persona non grata.

Mayor Pablo “Poling” Lorenzo III highlighted the success of livelihood programs and social services that helped “friends rescued” (former rebels) reintegrate into society.

“The insurgency-free status is protected by clear safeguards, including the continued presence and vigilance of 89IB troops,” Lorenzo emphasized.

Brig. Gen. Christopher M. Diaz, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, assured residents that the military’s mission does not end with the declaration. “Our troops remain present, ready, and responsive,” he stated.

Consolidating regional security

Quezon now joins a growing list of cleared areas in the region, including:

Municipalities: San Fernando, Kadingilan, Damulog, Kitaotao, Dangcagan, Kibawe, Don Carlos, and Maramag.

Cities: Valencia City.

This achievement follows the 2022 declaration of the Davao Region as insurgency-free and the subsequent expansion of the 10ID’s responsibility into Southern Bukidnon in March 2023. 

Operations by the 48th, 56th, and 89th Infantry Battalions were instrumental in dismantling the SRSDG “Peddler” and the Weakened Guerrilla Front (WGF) 57.

MGen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, noted that the focus has now shifted to security consolidation.

“Our focus now is to sustain peace and prevent the return of armed groups,” Luzon said, underscoring the importance of continued delivery of basic services and community engagement.

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Information leads to recovery of 10 high-powered firearms in Agusan del Sur

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

TEN high-powered firearms were recovered by joint Army and PNP troops following a tip from two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who recently surrendered.

The surrenderers provided information on Oct. 17, 2025, to the 401st Infantry (Unite N’ Fight) Brigade, led by Brigadier General Antonio B. Dulnuan Jr. 

Following the information, the military conducted a joint operation in Barangay Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, to locate the hidden cache. 

They recovered three M203 grenade launchers, six M16-series rifles (two M16A1 Elisco Rifles, one M16 Bushmaster rifle, one M16A1 Colt AR-15 Rifle, and two Colt AR-15 rifles), one Firebird M4 rifle, six long magazines for 5.56mm rifles, and 778 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.

“The surrender of these individuals and the capture of these weapons weaken the NPA’s capabilities and pave the way for lasting peace and development in the region. We commend the courage of those who have chosen to abandon violence and return to the folds of the law,” Dulnulan stated.

The surrenderers are now eligible for support through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which provides financial aid, livelihood support, and reintegration assistance, helping former rebels start anew and contribute to lasting peace in their communities.

Photos courtesy of 401st Infantry Brigade

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2 NPAs killed in Butuan; 5 remnants surrender in Surigao

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

SEPARATE clashes in Butuan City led 29th Infantry Battalion troops to the bodies of two communist guerrillas in the remote areas of Sitio Banbanon, Barangay Pianing, on Monday, July 7.

In the first encounter, which lasted about two minutes, following a tip-off from residents about the presence of armed men in the area. The clash resulted in the recovery of one M16 rifle. 

Later that day, while conducting pursuit operations, government forces engaged in another armed encounter lasting five minutes. The clash resulted in the neutralization of an unidentified Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) and the recovery of one R4 rifle.

Meanwhile, in Surigao del Sur, five NPA remnants composed of three regular members and two Milisya ng Bayan (MB) brought seven high-powered firearms when they surrendered to the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division on July 4 and July 6.

The surrender was successfully facilitated by the 75th Infantry Battalion, under the 401st Infantry Brigade, in close coordination with intelligence units and the local populace.

According to the surrenderers, their decision to yield was driven by the emotional toll of being away from their families, as well as the extreme exhaustion and lack of food while in hiding.

Lieutenant Colonel Earl C. Pardillo, the newly installed commanding officer of 75IB, attributed the surrender to the sustained civil-military engagements, combined with pressure from the relentless, focused military operations. 

“They have finally realized the futility of their senseless ideology. With our continued efforts and the constant support from communities, we are giving them a second chance at life – away from violence and fear through the help of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) where they will receive financial assistance, livelihood support, and other benefits to help them reintegrate into mainstream society,” he added.

Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of 4ID, welcomed the surrenderees of the NPA remnants, emphasizing the effectiveness of the whole-of-nation approach of the government in ending local communist armed conflict. 

“This development is a testament to the effectiveness of our ongoing peace efforts and the collaborative partnership between our troops, different local government agencies, the residents of every peace-loving community in the region, and former rebels who are choosing the path of peace. We acknowledge the courage it takes for these individuals to leave behind a life of conflict and violence and return to the mainstream society. Their surrender not only weakens the NPA but also paves the way for lasting peace, security, and development in the region,” he said.

Photos courtesy of 4th Infantry Division

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White area operations weaken in Davao Region, shift to Northern Mindanao, says former rebel leader

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

WHILE “white area” operations, referring to legal fronts and political movements linked to communist insurgents, persist in the Davao Region, their influence has significantly diminished, and their strategic center has shifted to Cagayan de Oro City. 

This was the assessment of Jam Saguino, a former high-ranking rebel leader and now a peace advocate, of Kalinaw Davao de Oro in the Davao Peace and Security press conference on Wednesday, June 2, 2025.

Saguino confirmed the continued presence of these groups across the broader Davao Region but stressed they are “not as strong as before” compared to previous years. 

She noted that many of these efforts now originate from Metro Manila, citing examples from the National Capital Region, extending to Davao City, primarily targeting youth and students.

However, Saguino clarified that the Davao Region itself “no longer has the capacity to operate” militarily, as the last remnants of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee’s (SMRC) armed component were reportedly arrested in Bunawan. 

Despite the persistence of white areas and front organizations, he said they are “not considered a significant threat” by former rebels like himself.

He revealed that no new recruits have been monitored from previously identified strongholds, such as the schools mentioned, but TIMES will not reveal the names of these institutions.

“For us, it’s okay to have progressive groups, as long as they don’t take up arms in the mountains,” he added.

Saguino dismissed their current influence as a major threat, remarking on the small numbers typically seen in their rallies. 

He claimed these groups are struggling to recruit from communities, even with existing funding, primarily because the SMRC is no longer active locally.

 She also noted that other KOMID (Komite Mindanao) from different regions are now “adopting” them.

Providing a key insight into the evolving strategy of these groups, Saguino stated that based on classified information, the “center of political power” for white area operations in Mindanao has now shifted to Cagayan de Oro City. 

“This is why most of the white area efforts… just recently, they had a resumption of negotiations last week held in Cagayan de Oro City, where groups from NCR, Manila, and Cebu convened for the resumption of peace talks,” she explained.

She concluded by reiterating her assessment: “For us, the presence of front organizations here in Davao is no longer a significant threat.”

Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron 

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Over 260 former rebels undergo amnesty processing in Agusan Sur

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 4TH Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) announced that a total of 264 former rebels (FRs) have now applied for amnesty in the province, up from a previous total of 227, following a series of processing activities conducted last week.

On June 25, 2025, 27 former rebels under the custody of the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion underwent a comprehensive orientation and filed their applications at the 26IB headquarters in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. 

This was followed on June 26, 2025, by an additional 10 FRs from the 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade, who completed their intake process at Camp Datu Lipus Makapandong in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

The two-day activity provided applicants with a thorough understanding of the amnesty program’s legal framework, eligibility requirements, and the benefits available to them. Atty. Gene B. Presco, legal officer of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, administered the oath to the applicants.

Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, emphasized that the amnesty program extends beyond mere statistics.

 “It shows that former rebels are being given a chance to rebuild their lives and find hope again,” Anayron stated. “The program proves the government’s sincere efforts to help them return to society and support lasting peace.”

The 4ID, through its subordinate units, continues to play a pivotal role in the program’s implementation. They work closely with local government units, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, and other stakeholders.

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