Seven (7) members of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) from various units under the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), along with two (2) low-powered firearms, surrendered simultaneously to the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), 65th Infantry Battalion (65IB), and 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB), all under the Operational Control (OpCon) of the 901st Infantry Brigade, on February 21, 2025.
The personalities include Chrytal Malaya Sagbigsal aka Islaw, member of Instructors Bureau, HQF Staff; Jerry Orvoc Manliguis aka Jigjig, member of SRSDG Westland; Militia ng Bayan (MB) Members Gilbert Quiñonez Azarcon aka Jose and Vangelyn Alimbuyong aka Maria surrendered to the 36IB under Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Viray, in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur.
Moreover, Marjun Tumambad Gubay aka Jego and Firmin Villatura Iligan aka Agila, members of SRSDG Southland, along with their firearms—one (1) M1 Carbine with magazines and ammunitions, two (2) hand grenades, and one (1) revolver with ammunitions—surrendered to the 65IB under Lieutenant Colonel Ray Anthony Sisican, in Barangay Calaitan, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur. Also, Rodel Enano Hidi aka Kawren, a member of Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG), surrendered to 30IB under Lieutenant Colonel Albert Batingga in Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.
This collective decision to surrender comes in the wake of the death of Myrna Sularte, aka Maria Malaya, the Regional Secretary of NEMRC, who died in an encounter against government forces in the hinterlands of Pianing, Butuan City, on February 12, 2025. Maria Malaya was a significant figure among the ranks of the CTGs. She is also recognized as one of the most wanted CPP-NPA personalities in the country.
“Most of these surrenderers recognized that the path of violence was leading only to more loss and despair. Choosing to abandon armed struggle, they now seek a new beginning and the possibility of peace for themselves and their families,” Brigadier General Arsenio Sadural, Commander of the 901st Brigade, said.
The 901st Brigade and its OpCon Battalions are dedicated to safeguarding the safety and welfare of the communities and will persist in their efforts for continuous peace and stability in their Area of Responsibility.
