Insurgency: First Insurgency-Free Zone

The AFP in Caraga has achieved a significant victory but dismantling its last NPA unit. 

https://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/major-victory-in-caraga-901st-brigade-dismantles-last-ctg-unit/

THE 901ST Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, operating under the Eastern Mindanao Command, has successfully dismantled the Sub-Region Sentro de Gravidad (SRSDG) Westland, the final remaining Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) unit in its area of responsibility in Caraga.

Since June, 26 CTG members have been neutralized through focused operations, including the death of key leaders and the surrender of 14 rebels with high-powered firearms.

Through a series of focused military operations led by the 29IB, 30IB, 36IB, 48IB, and 65IB, the unit’s manpower and leadership were decisively neutralized, marking a significant step toward lasting peace and development in the Caraga Region.

Platun Uno of SRSDG Westland was completely dismantled following multiple encounters in Surigao del Norte and Butuan City, resulting in 18 neutralized members—including the death of its commanding officer, Roderick Maco alias Rodel, and the surrender of 14 others, among them key leaders such as Ricky per alias Rem and squad leader Julia. The recent surrender of its last two members to 29IB on Oct. 2, along with seven high-powered firearms, signaled the total collapse of the platoon.

Meanwhile, Platun Dos was crippled after a June 25 clash in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, where two members were wounded and later surrendered. Its leader, Edmar Maca alias Renren, capitulated on August 22 and persuaded five more comrades to surrender by early October, leaving only seven members active.

In total, 26 CTG members from SRSDG Westland have been neutralized since June. Only three weakened squads remain, now cornered in the boundaries of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, and San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, under sustained pursuit by 901st Brigade forces.

Colonel Manuel Darius M. Resuello, acting commander of the 901st Brigade, vowed to sustain relentless operations against the remaining rebels and urged them to surrender peacefully.

 He also recognized the crucial partnership of local government units and stakeholders in advancing peace and development efforts across the region.

Three weakened squads remain?  Then it's not dismantled. How many make up a squad?? How many NPA are left in Caraga? This is a ridiculous pronouncement. 

Valencia City has become the first LGU in Northern Mindanao to be declared insurgency-free. 

https://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/valencia-city-declared-first-insurgency-free-zone-in-region-x/

VALENCIA City became the first local government unit in Region X (Northern Mindanao) to be officially declared an insurgency-free area on Friday, Oct. 10, a historic milestone achieved through a united front of local officials, military, police, and the community.

Under the leadership of Mayor Amie Galario, the local government unit, in coordination with the 89th Infantry Battalion, 1003rd Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, and their Philippine National Police (PNP) counterparts, made the declaration official. 

The ceremony, held at the Valencia City Hall, was graced by Major General Allan D. Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, along with local officials, representatives from partner agencies, former rebels, and the people of Valencia City. 

The declaration was made after the city successfully complied with all parameters set under the Joint Letter Directive and the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC). 

Crucially, all 31 barangays of Valencia City passed resolutions declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP–NPA–NDF) as persona non grata. 

This united stance was further reinforced through Resolution No. 154-2025 of the 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod, officially condemning the presence and influence of the said groups.

Additionally, through Resolution No. 153-2025, the City Council formally declared Valencia City as insurgency-free, signifying the end of the local armed threat and the success of joint peace efforts.

This achievement stands as a testament to the unwavering collaboration between the LGU, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the PNP, and the local populace—including former rebels who have returned to the fold of the law—in fostering peace, unity, and progress for the people of Valencia.

So, all barangays declared the NPA as persona non grata. But does that mean there are zero insurgents? We have seen before that isn't always the case when an area is declared insurgent-free.

In Iloilo a top NPA leader and his companion was killed during a raid. 

https://dailyguardian.com.ph/top-npa-leader-companion-killed-in-iloilo-raid/

A ranking leader of the New People’s Army and another rebel were killed following a joint police and military operation early evening of Oct. 5 in Lambunao, Iloilo.

Roberto Cabales, who reportedly took over as secretary of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay and is a resident of Iloilo City, and a certain Mateo Suarez, alias Badong, a resident of Barangay Coto, Lambunao, were killed after they allegedly put up a fight with government forces.

According to police reports, the two slain rebels resisted when police and military operatives served the arrest warrant against Cabales, who went by the aliases Ted, William, and Lloyd, while he was hiding in Coto, a village more than two kilometers from the town proper.

They were rushed to Dr. Ricardo Ladrido Memorial Hospital in Lambunao but did not pull through.

Members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Unit, together with operatives from the Lambunao Municipal Police Station and the Passi City Police Station and soldiers from the 82nd and 61st Infantry Battalions, were to serve the arrest warrants against Cabales for rebellion docketed under Criminal Case Nos. CC-22-1283 and CC-12-1253-06.

Judge Daniel Antonio Gerardo Amular of the 6th Regional Trial Court Branch 21 in Mambusao, Capiz, issued the arrest warrants.

Col. Bayani Razalan, Iloilo police chief, said Cabales’ arrest carried a reward of PHP 3.1 million.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a decades-long insurgency and is designated a terrorist organization by the Philippine government.

Well, this belies the declaration there are no NPA elders left.  If leaders keep dying then there are leaders. Who will take this man's place?

In Samar an NPA cache was discovered after a captured fighter led them to it. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2121564/high-powered-npa-firearms-cache-recovered-in-samar-town

Government troops from the 46th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Calbiga town, Samar, seized several high-powered firearms, including an M60 machine gun, in a military operation in Barangay Caranas, Motiong town, Samar, on Wednesday.

According to the 46th IB, the discovery of the arms cache—which also included one M4 rifle and two M16 rifles—was made possible through information provided by a captured member of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA).

The individual reportedly decided to cooperate with authorities after realizing the “propaganda and deception” of the armed communist group.

Lt. Col. Marvin Inocencio, commanding officer of the 46th IB, said the seizure of weapons was a significant setback to the NPA’s operations in Samar, reducing their capability to conduct attacks and influence communities.

“This success showcased the bravery and dedication of our soldiers and highlights the growing trust and cooperation of those who have seen through the deception of the CTG,” Inocencio said in a statement. “Every firearm recovered means one less threat to our communities and one more step toward genuine peace.”

Inocencio also reiterated the government’s call for remaining NPA members to surrender and avail themselves of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which offers livelihood and reintegration assistance to former rebels.

The 46th Infantry Battalion vowed to continue its efforts to secure peace and promote development in Motiong and other parts of Samar. 

No doubt there are more cases waiting to be found. It seems at least one is unearthed every single week. 

In Surigao del Norte a rebel couple was arrested for crimes. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/110682/alleged-rebel-couple-nabbed-for-various-crimes-in-surigao-del-norte/story/

A common-law couple who are alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and wanted for various criminal offenses was arrested in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the couple as alias “Ben” and “Raquel,” both alleged members of the NPA’s Weakened Guerilla Front 30.

CIDG said Ben was tagged as the number two most wanted person in Caraga with seven arrest warrants for murder, frustrated murder, multiple attempted murder, and violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 10364) and Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity (RA 9851).

The arrest warrants were issued between 2020 and 2022 by Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur courts.

Meanwhile, Raquel was listed as the number three most wanted person in the region with eight arrest warrants for multiple attempted murder, frustrated murder, slight illegal detention, arson, and violations of RA 10364 and RA 9851 – all issued by various Surigao del Norte courts from 2020 to 2023.

CIDG said the couple and other co-accused NPA members were allegedly involved in multiple killings, atrocities, acts of terrorism, and crimes against humanity in the region.

“It underscores our unyielding stance against terrorism. With their capture, we significantly helped the government win over terrorism, and helped the victims and their families attain the justice they deserved,” CIDG Acting Director, Major General Robert Morico II, said.

And to think if they had only surrendered they could have availed of the E-CLIP benefits and gotten free money, free job training, and free housing.