MILITARY forces in the Caraga Region dealt another blow to remaining insurgent networks after three communist rebels surrendered and led troops to a hidden arms cache containing high-powered weapons and improvised explosives across Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.
The week-long operational streak was executed by field units under the 401st Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID).
The series of surrenders began on Aug. 22 when Michael M. Anga-an (alias Piko ), a former mass supporter under the dismantled Guerrilla Front 21 (DGF21), surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Bagyang, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, yielding an improvised shotgun and live ammunition.
On Aug. 25, joint teams from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and the 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion facilitated the surrender of Roger Tana Gana ( alias “Jake” ), a former Militia ng Bayan operative in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
Gana turned over a homemade shotgun, two M357 Magnum revolvers, and ammunition.
Exposed rebel cache
The operations culminated on Aug. 26 in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, when rebel operative Erwin Carasco Pedrablanca ( alias “Vincent” ) surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion and exposed a buried weapons cache in Barangay Buntalid.
Following Pedrablanca’s directions, troops unearthed an M14 rifle, six rifle grenades, and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) equipped with detonation wires and switches.
BGEN Benjamin L. Leander, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, noted that the steady stream of surrenders reflects dwindling support for armed insurgents in former stronghold communities.
“The collective efforts of government forces, local stakeholders, and communities remain crucial in helping former members rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society as partners in advancing lasting peace,” Leander said.
4ID commander MGEN Marion T. Angcao commended the 401st Brigade, reaffirming that military units will sustain pressure against remaining insurgent remnants while keeping surrender channels open for rebels seeking return to civilian life.
All three surrendering individuals are currently undergoing custodial debriefing and processing for government reintegration benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
