A FIREFIGHT between communist guerrillas and the 30th Infantry Battalion troops led to the killing of two rebels, including a finance officer, in the mountainous terrain of Barangay San Roque, San Miguel town in Surigao del Sur on Friday, April 17.
The military identified the fatalities as Lucy Canda (alias Luis/Madi), the finance officer of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, and Gia Miano (alias Plender/Moning), a member of the Regional Center of Gravidad (RSDG).
In the aftermath of the clash, their team leader, Jun Requina Jr. (alias Junjun), chose to surrender to the pursuing government troops.
Just two days prior, on April 15, the 75th Infantry Battalion clashed with the same group in Barangay Bolhoon, also in San Miguel, resulting in the death of a member identified as alias Keroy and the recovery of five high-powered firearms.
Further weakening the regional structure, a political instructor, alias Cyrus, surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion in Carmen, Surigao del Sur.
Cyrus cited combat exhaustion and a lack of support from their former mass base as his primary reasons for surrendering.
Military officials credit the success of these operations to a shifting tide in local sentiment.
Lieutenant Colonel Rey Vergel Annogui, commander of the 30th Infantry Battalion, noted that communities are no longer receptive to the presence of the Communist Terrorist Group.
“The growing vigilance of residents and their timely reporting to authorities directly contributed to these successful operations,” Annogui said, adding that the group’s attempts to re-establish a foothold have been met with resistance from the locals.
Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, praised the synergy between the military and the civilian populace. He confirmed that they are now focusing their efforts on the remaining eight armed members identified in the Caraga Region.
“The door remains open for those who choose the path to peace,” Anayron said. “We urge the remaining members to abandon the armed struggle and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs before it is too late.”
