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NPA finance officer, another rebel killed in clash

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

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.”

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401st Brigade neutralizes NPA member, seizes weapons in Surigao Clash

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

COMBINED government forces dealt a significant blow to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Northeastern Mindanao following a successful intelligence-driven operation in the hinterlands of Surigao del Sur on Wednesday, April 15.

Troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, operating under the 401st Infantry Brigade, engaged rebels in Sitio Bulacan, Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel at around noon.

The operation, led by acting brigade commander Col Glenn Joy U. Aynera, targeted the remaining Regional Operations Command (ROC) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) members, reportedly headed by Edilberto Reponte Daval, alias Ka Bong or Wako.

A brief but intense firefight forced the rebels to retreat, abandoning the body of a comrade identified as alias Ka Keroy. 

In addition to the casualties, government troops seized five high-powered firearms and various pieces of military equipment at the scene.

Military officials confirmed that the mission was initiated after local residents, weary of the CTG’s reported extortion and demands for food supplies, provided a tip-off regarding the group’s location.

Aynera visited the encounter site following the clash, accompanied by the Commanding Officers of the 75IB and 3SFBn, to boost the morale of the frontline personnel.

“Your efforts and sacrifices made this success possible,” Aynera told the troops. “This achievement is aligned with the command’s objective to dismantle the NEMRC. We must continue to give our best to ensure the region is declared peaceful and ready for further development.”

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10th ID kickstarts 2026 with show of force and discipline

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 10TH Infantry (Agila) Division (10ID) conducted its first Saturday formation and accounting of 2026 at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Davao de Oro, on Jan. 10.

The ranks inspection served as the division’s foundational routine to ensure that every “Agila Trooper” remains prepared for the evolving security landscape of the Davao Region and beyond.

Led by Major General Alvin Luzon, the inspection accounted for officers and enlisted personnel across the division’s organic, post, and operational control (OPCON) units. 

Beyond a simple headcount, the activity focused on troop verification of all active personnel, equipment serviceability, ensuring all tactical and logistical gear is mission-ready, and strict adherence to uniform, grooming, and protocol regulations.

Addressing the troops at the 10ID parade grounds, Luzon, who recently assumed command following a highly decorated career in counter-terrorism, reiterated his commitment to professional excellence. 

He emphasized that discipline and accountability are not just administrative requirements but the “foundations of combat readiness.”

The General’s guidance centered on his signature AGILA framework, which refers to accountability, growth, integrity, loyalty, and achievement through excellence.

“Our division must move with unity, purpose, and strength—each wing, each feather, each movement working in harmony toward a common goal,” Luzon reminded the personnel.

He urged the troops to remain loyal to the Constitution and steadfast in their role as protectors of peace in the region.

The 2026 kickoff comes at a pivotal time for the 10th ID. 

Having successfully dismantled internal insurgent fronts in the Davao Region over the past few years, the division is increasingly shifting its focus toward external defense and territorial integrity. The inspection was a critical component of sustaining the discipline required for large-scale maneuver exercises and multi-domain operations expected throughout the year.

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10ID deploys 700 new CAFGU members to secure Davao Region

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 10TH Infantry Division has added 700 new members to its ranks following the graduation of CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA-1) Classes 16–29 on Dec. 28, 2025, after completing an intensive 45-day basic military training in Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. 

The curriculum encompassed tactical combat casualty care, small-unit operations, and intelligence, as well as modules on human rights, ethics, and community leadership.

The training focused on professional competence and operations, which included small unit operations, weapons proficiency, intelligence, tactical combat casualty care, and the integrated territorial defense system. Instruction on civil-military operations (CMO) and mass base operations was also conducted.

The trainees likewise underwent modules on leadership, ethics, and governance, emphasizing service orientation, respect for human rights, civil relations, values formation, and justice in support of law and order. 

Additionally, personal and community development activities were undertaken to enhance individual skills and prepare the CAFGU Active Auxiliary graduates for their roles as protectors and first responders in their respective communities.

During the ceremony, Colonel Silas Trasmontero, chief of staff at the 10th Infantry Division, thanked the graduates for choosing to serve the Filipino people and for partnering with the Philippine Army in safeguarding peace at the grassroots level. 

He also emphasized their vital role in sustaining the division’s hard-earned peace gains and supporting ongoing External Security Operations.

Meanwhile, Major General Alvin Luzon, 10th ID commander, said, “The successful training of our CAFGU Active Auxiliaries underscores the 10th Infantry Division’s firm commitment to building capable and disciplined force multipliers. 

These additional 700 CAAs are now prepared to help defend our communities, sustain our peace gains, and support security and disaster response operations across Davao Region and neighboring provinces,” said Major General Luzon.

Upon deployment, the newly trained CAFGU Active Auxiliaries will augment regular troops and serve as force multipliers in securing communities within the 10ID Area of Operations, contributing to the sustainment of insurgency-free communities and enhanced security and disaster response capabilities.

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10th ID neutralizes over 700 NPAs, seizes 2.4 kilograms of shabu in 2025 operations

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 10TH Infantry Division (10th ID) reported major accomplishments against communist insurgency, even as it sustained insurgency-free areas and reduced illegal drugs from January 2025 to up to the present.

During the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps on Wednesday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Major Ruben Gadut, chief of the 10th ID Public Affairs Office, reported that the 10th ID conducted 60 combat operations, which resulted in direct encounters with the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

According to Gadut, these operations led to the neutralization of a total of 705 NPA personalities during the reporting period. The term “neutralized” typically includes surrenderees, captured combatants, and those killed in action.

In addition to military operations, the 10th ID—through its Task Force Davao—arrested 504 drug personalities at various entry points of Davao City between January and Dec. 2, 2025.

These law enforcement efforts resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of illegal drugs, totaling 2,488 grams of suspected shabu.

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Marawi siege veteran, ASG-free architect takes command of 10th Infantry Division

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

A HIGHLY decorated military strategist instrumental in declaring Basilan as Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-free and playing a crucial role in directing operations during the 2017 Marawi Siege has taken the helm of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division.

Brigadier General Alvin V. Luzon, a magna cum laude graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “Bantay-Laya” Class of 1994, officially assumed command as the division’s 17th commander on Wednesday, vowing to sustain the gains in maintaining an insurgency-free region.

Before taking the helm of the Agila Division, Brigadier General Luzon served as Commander of the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade. 

He previously held other key leadership positions, including senior military assistant to the officer-in-charge of the Department of National Defense (DND) and assistant chief of Staff for operations (G3), Philippine Army.

He has been at the forefront of major counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, most notably in Basilan, where he played a decisive role in the neutralization of Mudzrimar “Mundi” Sawadjaan, one of the most notorious terrorists in Southern Mindanao. 

His leadership was instrumental in the successful declaration of Basilan as ASG-Free on June 9, 2025.

Luzon also previously commanded the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion and the 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion.

 During the 2017 Marawi Siege, he served as assistant chief of Unified Command Staff for Intelligence (U2) and Operations (U3) at the Western Mindanao Command, where he played a crucial role in directing the overall operational campaign.

In his assumption speech, Luzon reaffirmed his commitment to sustain the gains in maintaining an insurgency-free region, emphasizing unity and shared purpose among the Agila Troopers.

“Like an eagle in flight, our Division must move with unity, purpose, and strength—each wing, each feather, each movement working in harmony toward a common goal,” he said.

Immediately after the ceremony, Brigadier General Luzon presided over his first Command Conference with 10ID officers, where he issued his initial command guidance.

He introduced his leadership mantra, A.G.I.L.A., which stands for Accountability, Growth, Integrity, Loyalty, and Achievement through Excellence.

 This guiding philosophy encapsulates his vision for a disciplined, competent, and mission-focused Agila Division. 

Under this principle, every Agila Trooper is expected to take responsibility for their actions, pursue growth, uphold integrity, remain steadfast in loyalty, and strive for excellence in all endeavors to achieve collective success.

Luzon’s return to Davao carries a sense of familiarity and continuity. 

Earlier in his career, he was assigned to the region as Brigade Executive Officer of the 105th Infantry Brigade from Basilan, which was later realigned under the 10th Infantry Division to form the present-day 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade.

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Major General Hambala retires as 10th ID commander, highlights zero active rebels within the area

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

PHILIPPINE Army Commanding General Antonio Nafarrete led the change of command and retirement ceremony for Major General Allan D. Hambala at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., Mawab, Davao de Oro, on Oct. 29, 2025.

The ceremony marked the end of Hambala’s illustrious military career, spanning 38 years, 8 months, and 28 days of dedicated service to the nation.

 It was during this event that Brigadier General Alvin Luzon formally assumed command as the 17th commander of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division.

Nafarrete lauded Hambala for his leadership and commitment to peace and stability in Mindanao.

“On this occasion, the organization expressed appreciation for the numerous sacrifices and the direction and guidance of our very distinguished and fine gentleman,” Hambala. 

“More importantly, this ensures continuity not only in command but also in direction and implementation,” he said. 

Under Hambala’s command, the 10th ID recorded decisive accomplishments in the campaign against insurgency, resulting in “zero active New People’s Army (NPA) units” status.

His command also oversaw nine Bukidnon towns declared insurgency-free, while maintaining the peace gains in Davao Region and Cotabato—proving the 10th ID’s steadfast commitment to lasting peace and development in Mindanao.

In his farewell message, Hambala thanked the officers, soldiers, and civilian personnel of the 10th Infantry Division who stood with him throughout his command:

“Today, I am filled with both pride and humility—pride for what we have accomplished together, and humility for having had the honor to lead and walk the journey with the fine men and women of this division who stood shoulder to shoulder in the field.”

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