CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has neutralized the Communist Party of the Philippines top NPA leader in Caraga Myrna Sularte alias Maria Malaya after she was killed in an encounter against troops of the 30th Infantry Battalion under the operational control of 901st Infantry Brigade this afternoon, February 12, at the mountainous area of Sitio Tagulahi, Brgy. Pianing, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
The 901st Infantry Brigade, through the 30th Infantry Battalion, executed a successful combat operation early this morning, decisively engaging a group led by Sularte, the Regional Headquarters of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). The operation consisted of two encounters, culminating in the capture of numerous items and personal belongings. The final encounter in the afternoon led to the tragic death of Malaya.
Brigadier General Arsenio D.C. Sadural, Commander of the 901st Brigade, stated that Sularte was the top leader and Secretary of the Communist Terrorist Groups’ (CTGs) Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), as well as a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). She was the widow of the late Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, a prominent figure in the New People’s Army (NPA) National Operations Command (NOC), who was killed in October 2021 during an encounter with government forces in Bukidnon.
“We have finally brought an end to the reign of terror in Caraga, led by Malaya, a notorious leader of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and one of the most wanted commanders of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the country. She is facing multiple criminal charges, including Rebellion, Destructive Arson, Robbery with Double Homicide, Damage to Property, Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention, Robbery in Band, Murder, Multiple Murder, and Frustrated Murder, among others. These charges arise from the numerous injustices and acts of terrorism she directed and perpetrated in the Caraga region,” BGen. Sadural stated.
In a statement, BGen Michele B Anayron Jr, the Commander of 4ID, congratulated the 901st Brigade under BGen. Sadural and the 30th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Albert M Batingga for neutralizing the CTG’s highest leadership in Caraga.
“It is unfortunate that Malaya has suffered the same tragic fate as her husband, Ka Oris, and their son, Vincent. We have offered them the path of peace countless times, yet they have never listened or given us a chance. Instead, they continue to victimize innocent civilians and bring terror to our communities. We fervently hope that Malaya’s death will be the final straw, leading to the total surrender of the remaining members and the eventual end of the Communist Terrorist Group in our area of responsibility,” BGen. Anayron stated.
4ID emphasizes its call for peace among those remaining in the CTG. It offers reassurance to members who wish to leave, stating that they will be safe and supported. The government will guide them in starting a new, peaceful life through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides various resources and assistance for reintegration into society.
