FOLLOWING the fall of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) leadership, 4th Infantry Division commander MGEN Marion T. Angcao declared that military forces are now focusing all assets to track down the final eight remaining insurgents within the boundaries of Region XI and the Caraga.
Speaking during a press conference at the 403rd Infantry Brigade headquarters on Sunday, Sept. 13, Angcao emphasized that while the strategic threat of the NPA in Northern Mindanao has been effectively neutralized, troops will not cease operations until the area is fully cleared.
“We are directing our operational focus on neutralizing the remaining eight rebels in our area of responsibility,” Angcao said, stressing that military units will sustain high-tempo pursuit operations along the hinterland borders of Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur.
Angcao urged the remaining stragglers to lay down their arms immediately and avail themselves of government reintegration programs under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) rather than face military action.
Bukidnon 2nd District Representative John Flores and Agusan del Sur Mayor Deo Manpatilan Jr., who attended the briefing, expressed full legislative and local government support for the ongoing military push, emphasizing that the clearing of border corridors will allow vital infrastructure and economic development to reach remote rural communities.
