THE NORTH Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the communist insurgent movement is nearing complete dismantling after government troops neutralized its top field commander during a fierce firefight in Malaybalay City on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Operating on a tip-off from local civilians, combat troops from the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) intercepted a group of rebels in Sitio Nalumusan, Barangay Silae.
The intelligence-led raid triggered a brief but intense five-minute shootout, forcing the remaining insurgents to flee south and abandon their fallen leader.
The Military formally identified the casualty as Romeo Mampinsahan, known within the underground movement by his aliases “Kakoy” and “Yuman.”
Accordingly, Mampinsan held a critical position as the commanding officer of Headquarters Force NEO under the NCMRC.
Following the clearance operations at the encounter site, infantrymen recovered Mampinsahan’s body along with two high-powered firearms.
Leadership structure halved
The death of Mampinsahan deals a crippling, structural blow to the New People’s Army (NPA) hierarchy in the province. According to the 403rd Infantry Brigade—led by Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado—the 8IB has now successfully taken out exactly half of the regional committee’s core command.
With three of its six primary leaders now removed from the battlefield, the military reports that the operational capabilities and command-and-control functions of the remaining insurgent elements in Bukidnon have been severely diminished.
Ultimatum issued as deadline looms
Lieutenant Colonel Jeorge R. Jallorina, commanding officer of the 8IB, praised the professionalism of his troops but extended a stern warning coupled with an offer of clemency to the remaining three leaders hiding in the mountains.
“The neutralization of a key CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) leader is a significant step toward weakening the remaining insurgent structure in Bukidnon,” LTC Jallorina said. “While we extend our sympathies to the family of Romeo Mampinsahan, we continue to call on the remaining members of the NCMRC to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law. The government is ready to help them start a new life.”
Jallorina emphasized that the battalion is working under a strict timeline set by higher military headquarters to officially declare Bukidnon an “insurgency-free” province.
Tactical operations are slated to intensify in the coming weeks, although the army maintains that the door remains open for peaceful reintegration and state-backed livelihood programs for rebels who choose to surrender.
