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EastMinCom formally declares complete dismantling of NPA’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has formally validated, confirming the complete dismantling of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

The milestone was finalized during the Joint AFP-PNP-PCG Intelligence Committee–Area (JAPPIC-Area) Periodic Status Report Validation, held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Camp 1Lt. Vicente G. Alagar in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

Lieutenant General Adonis Ariel G. Orio PA, Commander of EastMinCom, led the verification process that solidifies the total collapse of the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) operational apparatus across the strategic borders of Eastern Mindanao.

Military intelligence officials revealed that the final disintegration of the NEMRC was heavily accelerated by the strategic neutralization of its high-ranking cadres. 

Most notable was the death of Edilberto Daval, known by his underground aliases “Bong,” “Waco,” and “Bill,” the commanding officer of the NEMRC’s Regional Operations Command. 

Daval was killed during a fierce armed encounter with government troops in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur.  

Defense analysts state that with the formal dismantling of the NEMRC and its subordinate structures, the insurgent movement has effectively lost its regional command-and-control mechanism, destroying its capability to launch synchronized tactical offensives or manage organizational cohesion in the region.

Sustained, intelligence-driven operations in the sector forced a massive reduction in the insurgents’ remaining capabilities, slicing active CTG strength from 66 to just 30 isolated personnel, while their functional firearms inventory dropped sharply from 70 to 26. 

In total, the unified campaign neutralized 57 communist regulars and recovered 44 high-powered firearms.

Orio praised the joint personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and local intelligence units for the operational victory, but warned troops against complacency.

“These accomplishments demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-driven operations and unified inter-agency action,” Orio stated. “However, organizational dismantling does not mean that the threat has completely disappeared. Our next responsibility is to prevent the remaining CTG elements from reorganizing, recruiting, generating resources, rebuilding support networks, or regaining influence in previously affected communities.”  

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EastMinCom declares Caraga insurgency-free; optimistic remaining conflict zones resolved

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) aims to become insurgency-free across its entire area of responsibility, as Caraga is expected to attain that status within this month.

Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, June 3, EastMinCom spokesperson Col. Rosa Ma. Cristina Rosete-Manuel confirmed that the military and local government units are only waiting for the formal declaration ceremony.

“As we speak, the requirements for the declaration as insurgency-free are complete,” Manuel said. “We are just waiting for the formal declaration, which involves not only the AFP but also the local government units of the Caraga Region.”

The region falls under the operational jurisdiction of the 4th Infantry Division.

For decades, Caraga was considered one of the final frontiers and strongest bastions of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao, operating primarily under the Communist Party of the Philippines’ Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

However, military officials confirmed that the rebel group has been completely dismantled.

“There is no longer any NPA presence following the surrender of the remaining members and the death of their rebel leader,” Manuel stated, referring to the total collapse of the NEMRC following a combat encounter on May 11 that killed top leader Edilberto Daval, and the subsequent surrender of the group’s final remnants late last month.

“This development marks the complete collapse of the communist terrorist group’s major formation in Northeastern Mindanao,” Manuel added. “The nearing declaration of Caraga as a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) area is a clear validation of peace gains achieved through years of sacrifice, cooperation, and commitment across all sectors of society.”

Manuel also highlighted that the region’s established security allowed it to successfully host major events, drawing a parallel to the synchronized efforts of Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila in securing the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa. 

She noted that the incident-free execution of the national games demonstrated that the region is fully capable of hosting major national gatherings in an environment where peace and progress flourish.

EastMinCom credited these achievements to focused military operations, strengthened stakeholder engagement, and the aggressive implementation of former rebel reintegration programs.

Despite the historic milestone, the command emphasized that operations will not stop.

“While we celebrate these milestones, we recognize that peace is not a destination but a continuing responsibility,” Manuel said. “EastMinCom remains steadfast in sustaining the gains achieved not only in Caraga but also in the Davao Region and other areas already declared insurgency-free.”

Headquartered in Panacan, Davao City, EastMinCom’s primary area of responsibility (AOR) covers the entire eastern portion of Mindanao, including the Davao Region (Region XI), Soccsksargen (Region XII), and Caraga (Region XIII). Following Caraga’s formal declaration, the entire command is on track to claim a fully neutralized NPA presence across its borders.

“The story of the Eastern Mindanao Command today is no longer defined by conflict, but by transformation,” Manuel concluded. “Communities are choosing peace over violence, progress over fear, and hope over uncertainty.”

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CMU students break new ground in former Bukidnon conflict zone

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

ONE HUNDRED and thirty Evolutionary Biology (BIO48) students from Central Mindanao University (CMU) successfully completed a two-day field research expedition at Mount Malimumu in Barangay Magkalungay, San Fernando, Bukidnon, on April 24-25, 2026.

The expedition, led by Dr. Noel E. Lagunday of the Institute of Biological Sciences and student representative Rodge Danniellette A. Tan, marks a significant shift in the utilization of the highland terrain. 

Once utilized as a base of operations by the New People’s Army (NPA), the area is now declared free of insurgent influence and open for academic and environmental exploration.

To ensure the safety of the researchers, the Alpha Company of the 89th Infantry Battalion provided security throughout the two-day study.

The successful venture was the result of extensive multi-sectoral coordination. Before deploying, the university team engaged with the Local Government Unit of San Fernando, the Municipal Tourism Office, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative. 

The expedition also received a cultural blessing, with Datu Tagyaman Sinangkap (Barangay IPMR) and Bae Layden Esteban (Barangay Tribal Chieftain) leading a traditional ritual to ensure the success and safety of the study.

San Fernando Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke praised the academic institution for adhering to local security protocols. 

He emphasized that under Executive Order No. 049, or the “Culture of Security,” all activities within the municipality require prior documentation and coordination to maintain stability.

“Any activity conducted in the area must be properly documented and coordinated… to maintain the peace we have worked hard to achieve,” Yeke noted.

Lieutenant Colonel Antonio G. Bulao I, commander of the 89th Infantry Battalion, highlighted the event as a model for cooperation between civil society and the military.

“Our mandate is to protect the people from the threat of terrorism. This activity is a testament to the effective synergy among the academic sector, the local government, the Indigenous Cultural Community, and the security forces,” Bulao stated. “We remain ready to support similar academic and developmental initiatives in formerly conflict-affected areas.”

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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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Two rebels yield as CTG influence crumbles in Northern Mindanao

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

TWO REMNANTS of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFB) of the 4th Infantry Division on Feb. 21.

The military identified the surrenderers as alias Wowie/Doms and alias Marita. Both individuals are currently in the custody of the 1SFB for documentation, validation, and assessment to determine their eligibility for the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Captain Bilver F. Butale, civil-military operations officer of the 1SFB, assured them of the unit’s full support throughout their reintegration into mainstream society.

Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, reiterated his call for remaining members of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to abandon the armed struggle. 

He emphasized that the military, in partnership with local government units and national agencies, will help former rebels rebuild their lives through livelihood support and reintegration programs.

In a statement, 4ID commander Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr. noted that the surrender highlights the continuous decline of CTG influence. 

He attributed this “crumbling” power to sustained military operations complemented by “whole-of-nation” interventions that address the root causes of insurgency.

Anayron added that the government remains steadfast in providing lawful and humane pathways for individuals to leave the armed struggle, reinforcing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ mission to secure lasting peace and development across the Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

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7 battalions, 2 brigades close in on 3 remaining NCMRC leaders in Pantaron Range

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE MILITARY has launched a massive, multi-brigade offensive to neutralize the final leadership remnants of the New People’s Army’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), following the recent death of a top regional commander.

Major General Michele Anayron, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, told reporters in a press briefing that the military is now focused on three high-ranking targets: regional secretary Julia Cagadas (alias Reda), an individual known as Kakoy from San Luis, Agusan del Sur, and an insurgent identified as Jakem.

In what Anayron described as a high-tempo operation, the military has “imported” and consolidated a massive force to scour the boundary of Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon:

  • Two Brigades: The 403rd Infantry Brigade based in Malaybalay and another brigade from Butuan (402nd).
  • Seven Battalions: A combined force consisting of the 23rd, 58th, 28th, 75th, 1st Special Forces, 8th, 88th, and 26th Infantry Battalions.
  • Air Support: Blackhawk helicopters are being utilized to provide rapid 30-minute resupply runs to troops stationed in the rugged Pantaron Range, which would otherwise take days to reach on foot.

“You can see how persistent we are to finish the NCMRC,” Anayron said. “We have seven battalion commanders manning focused military operations. Our troops have spent their Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s, and even Chinese New Year in the Pantaron Range to ensure this mission is completed.”

The fall of “Tado”

The intensity of the operation follows the neutralization of Bonifacio Lutawan alias Tado, the commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command (ROC), on Feb. 15. Lutawan, a veteran insurgent since the 1990s, carried a P4,750,000 bounty and was considered the inspiration and forward security for regional secretary Reda.

Lt. Col. Jorge Jallorina, commander of the 8th Infantry Battalion, detailed the encounter in the forested terrain of Sitio Tacocon. After tracking a consolidated group of leaders since Feb. 1, troops engaged a five-man security detail. 

Following two brief but intense firefights, soldiers discovered Lutawan’s body with two gunshot wounds to the chest.

The military assessed that the NCMRC is nearing total disintegration, with only an estimated 25 to 26 rebels remaining.

“We can say they are very weak now,” Anayron noted. “While we cannot be complacent due to their ‘recovery efforts,’ our local chief executives have already taken off with roadmaps and infrastructure projects. The potential for peace, especially in Bukidnon, is at an all-time high.”

The division commander credited the success to the support of the local government units, which allowed the military to sustain long-term operations in the hinterlands. Military officers noted that some sub-leaders have already sent “feelers” expressing their desire to surrender.

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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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75IB discovers NPA anti-personnel mines on Surigao del Sur foot trail

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 75TH Infantry Battalion (75IB) reported the discovery of two anti-personnel mines (APMs) in the hinterlands of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, on Nov. 15.

The explosives, believed to have been planted by the communist New People’s Army (NPA), were found along a foot trail in Barangay San Pedro, Marihatag, an area frequently used by local residents traveling between isolated communities.

Lt. Col. Earl Pardillo, commanding officer of the 75IB, confirmed that troops from a nearby patrol base made the discovery and immediately secured the area to prevent any untoward incidents.

Pardillo condemned the use of the deadly devices as they violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“The capture of these anti-personnel mines highlights the continuing threat such devices pose to innocent lives. APMs do not distinguish between soldiers and civilians, and even children could have been the victims. These devices leave lifelong physical and emotional scars on communities,” he said.

He said the timely discovery prevented what could have been a devastating incident for residents who rely on the foot trail for daily transit.

Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), commended the 75IB troops for their swift action.

In his statement, Anayron assured the public that the 4ID remains fully committed to its mission: protecting innocent lives, neutralizing threats, and ensuring that local communities can live, work, and travel safely.

The seized APMs are currently being securely stored and will be properly disposed of by Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.

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New EastMinCom chief vows to crush remaining NPA units

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) welcomed its 15th commander, Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, who vowed to intensify the campaign against the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) units across the region.

Orio laid out an aggressive strategy to achieve “total victory” against the insurgency, specifically targeting the nine remaining NPA vertical units, three regional party committees, and four sub-regional committees across 17 provinces from Regions 10 to 13.

“Our task now is to translate strategy into action… We will dominate the battlespace… through precision, intelligence, and partnership with the local stakeholders,” Orio stated during the change of command ceremony at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, on Saturday, Nov. 15.

He emphasized that all operations would be “intelligence-driven, disciplined, and swift.”

Orio, a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992, previously served as commander of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) and the 402nd Infantry Brigade.

He succeeded Lieutenant General Luis Rex D. Bergante, who thanked the troops for their support during a “pivotal period.”

“I witnessed victory in the name of peace,” Bergante said, reflecting on his nearly four decades of service. “I saw communities grow and develop after peace was won. It has been life-changing not just for me but for all those I have been privileged to serve.”

The ceremony was spearheaded by the chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., who highlighted EastMinCom’s vital role as the “protector of its people and of our country.”

“This command is defined by the character and commitment of those who lead it,” Brawner remarked, underscoring the necessity of strong, capable leadership in neutralizing security threats across Eastern Mindanao.

The new commander shared his guiding principles for the men and women of EastMinCom, using the acronym S.T.O.R.M:

S – Seek self-mastery through discipline

T – Take aim at true priorities

O – Operate with clarity and focus

R – Respect the timeline

M – Magnify your faith in God

“Let S.T.O.R.M be our compass. Train hard, protect the people, and serve with excellence, courage, and compassion,” Orio concluded.

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Information leads to recovery of 10 high-powered firearms in Agusan del Sur

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

TEN high-powered firearms were recovered by joint Army and PNP troops following a tip from two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who recently surrendered.

The surrenderers provided information on Oct. 17, 2025, to the 401st Infantry (Unite N’ Fight) Brigade, led by Brigadier General Antonio B. Dulnuan Jr. 

Following the information, the military conducted a joint operation in Barangay Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, to locate the hidden cache. 

They recovered three M203 grenade launchers, six M16-series rifles (two M16A1 Elisco Rifles, one M16 Bushmaster rifle, one M16A1 Colt AR-15 Rifle, and two Colt AR-15 rifles), one Firebird M4 rifle, six long magazines for 5.56mm rifles, and 778 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.

“The surrender of these individuals and the capture of these weapons weaken the NPA’s capabilities and pave the way for lasting peace and development in the region. We commend the courage of those who have chosen to abandon violence and return to the folds of the law,” Dulnulan stated.

The surrenderers are now eligible for support through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which provides financial aid, livelihood support, and reintegration assistance, helping former rebels start anew and contribute to lasting peace in their communities.

Photos courtesy of 401st Infantry Brigade

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