CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army, under the leadership of Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., continues to intensify its operations against communist insurgents, resulting in a significant number of surrenders that weaken the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region.
As part of these sustained efforts, on March 24, 2025, seven (7) NPA remnants of Northeastern Mindanao surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. The surrenders were identified as Luiegy Rebucas Sagay, Lilian Trabaho Carbonilla, Ariel Enriquez, Henry Pinao, Joel Dayong, Arnel Pinao, and Jomar Pinao. On the same day, two (2) more NPA members—Onel Mahinay, and Joan Salahay Oganion, yielded to the 36th Infantry Battalion in Puyat Carmen, Surigao del Sur. Both battalions operate under the 901st Infantry Brigade.
The surrenders turned over various firearms, including an M16A1 rifle, an Armscor shotgun, a .45 caliber pistol, an anti-personnel mine (APM) with remote detonation devices, and shrapnel materials.
The growing number of surrenders is further evidenced by the voluntary surrender of Arman Gonzales Marianas alias Arman, a Militia ng Bayan member, on March 18, 2025, to the 58th Infantry Battalion. This trend of capitulation continued on March 12, 2025, when Carl Vladimir Castro Enriquez and Crista Ontua Tejero, key figures NPA remnants of North Eastern Mindanao, surrendered to the 401st Infantry Brigade. Tejero, a former squad leader, played a significant role in the insurgency. Their surrender resulted in the recovery of an M16A1 rifle, a KG9 submachine gun, a .45 caliber pistol, and several rounds of live ammunition.
The impact of 4ID’s relentless military operations was further reinforced by the success of the 26th Infantry Battalion, whose troops secured the surrender of four (4) more NPA remnants. In recognition of their exemplary efforts, Major General Anayron Jr. personally awarded them the Military Merit Medal. The surrendered firearms included an AK-47 rifle, a Carbine 5.56 rifle, a Carbine rifle, and two Garand rifles, along with ammunition and magazines.
These consecutive surrenders indicate a sharp decline in CTG morale and operational strength. Sustained military pressure and the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) have provided rebels with a path to reintegration into society.
With insurgency steadily losing ground, Major General Anayron Jr. reaffirmed 4ID’s commitment to peace and security while urging remaining CTG members to surrender.
“The government is committed to helping former rebels rebuild their lives. The fight against insurgency is nearing its end, and now is the time to choose peace over conflict. We urge the remaining CTG members to surrender and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs. As insurgency weakens, lasting peace is within reach,” he stated.
