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High-powered firearms recovered in Bukidnon

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 403RD Infantry Brigade unearthed a cache of high-powered firearms belonging to remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group in Sitio Ananaso, Barangay Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, on March 15.

The 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFB), a subordinate unit of the 403rd Infantry  Brigade, led the operation, triggered by a tip from a former rebel supporter, who guided soldiers to the concealed site.

Among the weapons recovered were a 5.56mm Elisco M16A1 rifle with a defaced serial number and a 5.56mm Elisco M653 carbine (Serial No. RP254466). 

Military officials confirmed that both firearms were fully serviceable when found.

Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Brigade, attributed the success to a shifting tide in community loyalty.

“The success of this operation underscores the crucial role of community support and the cooperation of former CTG-affiliated individuals who have chosen to return to the fold of the law,” Tubalado said.

The recovered firearms have been transported to the 1st Special Forces Battalion (SFBN) Headquarters for proper disposition and ballistic tracing.

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LGU Maramag, 89th IB bring holiday cheer to 100 children in Bukidnon

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE LOCAL government unit of Maramag partnered with the 89th Infantry (Makatao) Battalion and various civic groups to bring Christmas cheer to over 100 children through the “Pamaskong Handog” program on Dec. 6, 2025.

Spearheaded by the Office of the Municipal Mayor’s Youth Development Division, the initiative adopted the theme, “Ngiti at Saya, Hatid sa Bata ay Pag-asa!” 

The heartwarming Christmas initiative benefited children primarily from vulnerable and marginalized sectors, including the families of:

Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary members, former rebels, and children from neighboring communities.

The event featured gift-giving activities, fun games, and meaningful engagement to bring joy, hope, and a sense of belonging to the young beneficiaries.

The “Pamaskong Handog” was a collaborative effort involving the LGU Maramag, the 89th Infantry Battalion, Alpha Phi Omega – Maramag Residents, and the Bukidnon Maramag Lions Club.

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Three NPA remnants surrender amid intensified operations in Eastern Misamis Oriental

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

Following sustained and focused military pressure, three remaining members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) recently surrendered to the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division.Following sustained and focused military pressure, three remaining members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) recently surrendered to the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division.

FOLLOWING sustained and focused military pressure, three remaining members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) recently surrendered to the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division.

The surrenders are remnants of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) and come on the heels of the recent yielding of their Secretary, alias Shaggy/Poldo.

The Army credited the development to the continuous presence and operational pressure exerted by government forces through the joint efforts of the 58th, 23rd, and 28th Infantry Battalions.

The surrenderees also turned over one (1) AR18 rifle, along with a magazine loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition.

Initial custodial debriefing revealed that one of the surrenderees, identified as alias Aklas/Eti, was previously considered a potential successor within the NPA unit due to his capabilities. All three are now undergoing further debriefing and documentation at a designated facility in Butuan City.

Brigadier General Adolfo B. Espuelas Jr., commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that the series of surrenders underscored the steady decline in the NPA’s strength and morale.

“Their decision to abandon the armed struggle is a direct result of the sustained pressure from focused military operations and the 4ID’s consistent engagement with local communities,” Espuelas Jr. stated, reiterating the commitment to peace and security.

Meanwhile, 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division commander, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., lauded the Brigade’s accomplishment.

He highlighted that the surrenders demonstrated the increasing trust of former rebels in the government’s peace programs.

Major General Anayron Jr. reaffirmed the division’s commitment to supporting those who choose to return to the fold of the law, stressing that the Army will continue to create conditions conducive to peace, development, and lasting stability in the region.

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89th IB recognized for excellence at 10ID anniversary

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 89TH Infantry (Makatao) Battalion and three of its personnel were honored with awards during the 19th Founding Anniversary of the 10th Infantry (AGILA) Division on August 16, 2025. 

The ceremony, held in Mawab, Davao de Oro, was led by Major General Allan D. Hambala, who commended the soldiers for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the Philippine Army.

The individual awardees from the 89th IB included Captain Ariel O. Asentista, named Best Junior Officer in Civil-Military Operations (CMO); First Lieutenant Queency N. Duhig, recognized as Best Junior Officer for Logistics; Corporal Edmark L. Pedroso, honored as Best Enlisted Personnel for CMO.

In addition to the individual accolades, the 89th IB as a whole received a Certificate of Recognition for its exemplary performance during the 10th ID’s Annual General Inspection. 

This recognition affirmed the unit’s consistent excellence in its operations, administration, and leadership under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Antonio G. Bulao I.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Bulao expressed his pride in the unit’s accomplishments. “These recognitions reflect not only the hard work and professionalism of the awardees but also the unwavering commitment of the 89th IB to serve with integrity, discipline, and dedication,” he said.

Photo courtesy of 89IB

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12 high powered firearms seized by soldiers under 901st Infantry Brigade

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

TROOPS from the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), have dealt a significant blow to the New People’s Army (NPA) with the recovery of a total of 12 high-powered firearms in Agusan del Norte through a series of operations from June 18 to July 4, 2025.

The latest successes occurred on July 3 and 4, stemming from vital intelligence provided by a former rebel. 

On July 3, personnel from the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB), operating under the 901st Infantry Brigade, conducted a focused military operation that led to the recovery of three (3) AK-47 rifles.

The following day, a joint operation by the 29th IB and the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) resulted in the seizure of an additional four (4) AK-47 rifles and one (1) M16A1 rifle, bringing the total for these two days to eight (8) high-powered firearms.

These recent recoveries are part of a broader series of successful operations by the 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions, both under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade, 4ID. 

From June 18 to July 4, a total of 12 high-powered firearms were secured through a combination of surrender and arms cache retrieval efforts. 

The 29IB successfully recovered an arms cache containing eight (8) high-powered firearms. 

Meanwhile, the 30IB facilitated the surrender of two Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs), who also turned over their two (2) issued firearms.

Additionally, the 30IB discovered another arms cache holding two (2) more high-powered firearms.

The surrendering CNTs were identified as members of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland, under the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

These individuals had reportedly been actively involved in recent armed clashes with 30IB troops on June 13, 14, and 15 in Barangay Bugas-Bugas, Placer, Surigao del Norte.

EastMinCom emphasized that these accomplishments underscore the continued success of intensified security operations and the growing trust of former rebels in the government’s reintegration programs.

The command stated that the consistent decline in the NPA’s operational strength highlights the effectiveness of localized reintegration efforts and strong collaboration with former rebels, whose support remains crucial in maintaining the momentum of the counter-insurgency campaign.

Moreover, the Eastern Mindanao Command reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding peace gains and advancing development and stability across the region.

Photos courtesy of 4th Infantry Division

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89th Infantry Battalion earns ‘excellent’ rating in annual general inspection

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 89TH Infantry “Makatao” Battalion scored an impressive 98.31 in its Annual General Inspection (AGI) conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division. 

The comprehensive assessment took place on July 1, 2025, at the unit’s headquarters in Purok 10, South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon.

The AGI, led by Colonel Roberto R. Bunagan, is a crucial evaluation tool designed to assess a military unit’s operational readiness, adherence to command policies, administrative efficiency, and logistical capabilities.

 It also serves to pinpoint strengths and areas requiring improvement, ensuring the unit’s sustained capacity to effectively fulfill its mission.

During the inspection, Colonel Bunagan and his team meticulously examined various aspects of the battalion, including personnel management, logistics, records keeping, operational systems, and morale and welfare programs. 

This rigorous exercise underscores the 10th ID’s steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and discipline within its ranks.

Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Antonio G. Bulao I, the 89th IB’s exceptional performance signifies a high level of compliance, robust capability, and overall operational excellence. 

This achievement reaffirms the battalion’s dedication to continuous improvement and its readiness to support the Division’s broader objectives for peace and security.

Photo courtesy of 89IB

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NPA remnant surrenders in Surigao del Sur, turns over rifle and landmines

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

A MEMBER of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrendered to government troops in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on July 1, 2025.

The military only identified him as alias Jexan,  one of the remaining CTG members operating in the area, who turned over one AK47 rifle and two anti-personnel mines upon his surrender. 

It was the result of collaborative efforts between the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) and concerned local residents who reportedly helped facilitate his peaceful surrender.

Lieutenant Colonel Jason F. Pangandoyon, commanding officer of the 3SFBn, underscored the vital role of community cooperation in the success of localized peace engagement initiatives. 

“The surrender of alias Jexan is a product of the strong cooperation between our troops and the local residents who are already weary of the decades-long armed struggle,” Pangandoyon stated. “This act is not just a step toward peace for the individual but also for the entire community.”

Jexan is currently under the custody of the 3SFBn for custodial debriefing, a standard procedure under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The process aims to thoroughly assess his background and intentions, facilitating his smooth transition back into civilian life.

E-CLIP provides former rebels with a comprehensive package of benefits, including financial assistance, livelihood support, housing, and other social services to aid their reintegration.

The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) continues to call on the remaining members of the CTG to abandon armed struggle and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs.

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