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Key NPA leader surrenders to 23IB in Misamis Oriental

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE REMNANTS of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Misamis Oriental suffered another major blow after a high-ranking team leader surrendered to the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) on Jan. 13, 2026.

The 23IB operates under the 402nd Infantry Brigade of Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond.

Military officials stated that the surrender of Jessryl Bacyano, known by the aliases Digos and Amas, marks a turning point in the government’s mission to declare the region completely insurgency-free. 

Bacyano served as the team leader of Squad 1, MTJ Eagles, Sub-Regional Command 1, under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army.

Brig. Gen. Adolfo B. Espuelas Jr., commander of the 402nd Brigade, attributed the success to the 23IB’s relentless “whole-of-nation” approach. 

According to officials, the surrender was catalyzed by sustained military operations that constricted the movement of remaining insurgents, community-based dialogues that eroded the CTG’s local support base, and inter-agency coordination between local government units and law enforcement.

Lieutenant Colonel Glennford Libre, commanding officer of the 23IB, welcomed Bacyano, emphasizing that the doors remain open for those who wish to return to the fold of the law.

“This surrender is a clear indicator that the CTG’s influence in Misamis Oriental is crumbling,” Libre said. 

“Mr. Bacyano’s decision to lay down his arms reflects a growing realization among rebels that the armed struggle is a lost cause. Our mission is not just to defeat an enemy, but to win back our brothers and sisters to the path of peace and productive citizenship,” he added.

Bacyano is currently undergoing documentation and debriefing. 

He will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a government initiative providing former rebels with financial and livelihood assistance, educational and skills training, and psychosocial support for family reintegration.

JTF Diamond, under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Michelle Anayron Jr., continues to urge remaining CTG members to surrender, emphasizing that the government is ready to provide a fresh start for those who choose peace over conflict.

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Troops recover firearms after clash with communist rebels in Northern Mindanao, Caraga

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

TROOPS from the 36th Infantry Battalion exchanged fire with Communist Terrorist Group members in Barangay Cayale, Tago, Surigao del Sur, on Jan. 10, leading to the recovery of an M14 rifle, an M16 bolt carrier assembly, a rifle grenade, medical supplies, and various war materiel. 

The 4TH Infantry Division (4ID) report touted the military gains by degrading the guerrillas’ operational capabilities in the province.

Simultaneously, the 403rd Infantry Brigade facilitated the surrender of two former CTG members previously affiliated with the dismantled HQ Loader and GF89 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

The surrenderers turned over an AK-47 rifle and are currently undergoing custodial debriefing and documentation to qualify for the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

In a joint statement, 403rd IB commander Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado and 401st IB acting commander Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera praised their troops for their professionalism and discipline.

“These operational gains and voluntary surrenders reflect the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the strong support of local communities,” the statement said. 

They reiterated their call for the remaining insurgents to lay down their arms and participate in the government’s reintegration programs, emphasizing a continued commitment to sustaining peace and development in their areas of responsibility.

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NPA couple abandons armed struggle for family life in Butuan City

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

A HUSBAND And wife who were once active members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to government troops in Butuan City. 

The couple, tired of their life on the run, voluntarily yielded on July 12, 2025, signaling their commitment to building a new, peaceful family life.

The military identified the surrenderees as Marjun Sagay Navarro and his wife, Rosemarie Garcia. The military said both were known members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating within the Caraga region. 

As a tangible sign of their decision to abandon the armed struggle, the couple turned over one M16A1 rifle to the authorities.

Their successful surrender was the culmination of a joint operation and sustained community engagement efforts by the 48th Infantry Battalion and the 29th Infantry Battalion. 

These units operate under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, and are part of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army.

Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Rae C. Tizon, Commanding Officer of the 48th Infantry Battalion, commended the dedication and cooperation of his troops and acknowledged the unwavering support from Lieutenant Colonel Mark S. Tabon, Commanding Officer of the 29th Infantry Battalion.

 “This surrender is a result of our intensified, focused military operations and sustained collaboration with local stakeholders,” Lt. Col. Tizon stated. 

“We encourage the remaining members of the CTG to lay down their arms and take the path of peace. The government is ready to assist them in rebuilding their lives.”

Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, lauded the couple’s courageous decision to embrace peace and focus on their family. 

He described their surrender as a “brave decision that symbolizes hope for lasting peace and serves as an example to others who remain in the insurgency.”

Major General Anayron Jr. reiterated his call for remaining CTG members to abandon the armed struggle, emphasizing that it is “never too late to start anew with dignity.” 

He further highlighted the 4th Infantry Division’s continued support for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides comprehensive assistance, including livelihood support, skills training, education, and psychosocial services to help former rebels successfully reintegrate into mainstream society as productive citizens.

Photos courtesy of 4th Infantry Division 

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2 NPAs killed in Butuan; 5 remnants surrender in Surigao

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

SEPARATE clashes in Butuan City led 29th Infantry Battalion troops to the bodies of two communist guerrillas in the remote areas of Sitio Banbanon, Barangay Pianing, on Monday, July 7.

In the first encounter, which lasted about two minutes, following a tip-off from residents about the presence of armed men in the area. The clash resulted in the recovery of one M16 rifle. 

Later that day, while conducting pursuit operations, government forces engaged in another armed encounter lasting five minutes. The clash resulted in the neutralization of an unidentified Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) and the recovery of one R4 rifle.

Meanwhile, in Surigao del Sur, five NPA remnants composed of three regular members and two Milisya ng Bayan (MB) brought seven high-powered firearms when they surrendered to the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division on July 4 and July 6.

The surrender was successfully facilitated by the 75th Infantry Battalion, under the 401st Infantry Brigade, in close coordination with intelligence units and the local populace.

According to the surrenderers, their decision to yield was driven by the emotional toll of being away from their families, as well as the extreme exhaustion and lack of food while in hiding.

Lieutenant Colonel Earl C. Pardillo, the newly installed commanding officer of 75IB, attributed the surrender to the sustained civil-military engagements, combined with pressure from the relentless, focused military operations. 

“They have finally realized the futility of their senseless ideology. With our continued efforts and the constant support from communities, we are giving them a second chance at life – away from violence and fear through the help of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) where they will receive financial assistance, livelihood support, and other benefits to help them reintegrate into mainstream society,” he added.

Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of 4ID, welcomed the surrenderees of the NPA remnants, emphasizing the effectiveness of the whole-of-nation approach of the government in ending local communist armed conflict. 

“This development is a testament to the effectiveness of our ongoing peace efforts and the collaborative partnership between our troops, different local government agencies, the residents of every peace-loving community in the region, and former rebels who are choosing the path of peace. We acknowledge the courage it takes for these individuals to leave behind a life of conflict and violence and return to the mainstream society. Their surrender not only weakens the NPA but also paves the way for lasting peace, security, and development in the region,” he said.

Photos courtesy of 4th Infantry Division

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