Community support contributes to anti-insurgency ops success in Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
LANUZA, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The Philippine Army (PA) highlighted the growing partnership between communities and government forces in addressing insurgency and protecting civilian safety as two members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) were neutralized and high-powered firearms recovered during a focused military operation in the hinterland barangay of Nurcia, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.
Military officials emphasized that the success of the operation was made possible through the support of residents who provided timely information after experiencing threats and extortion from the armed group, strengthening the national government’s intensified campaign to end insurgency and promote peace and development.
According to the report, the troops from the 36th Infantry Battalion, under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, conducted the operation against remaining members of the sub-regional sentro de grabidad (SRSDG) west of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
The encounter happened on March 22, resulting in the neutralization of two members of the New People’s Army (NPA), identified by their aliases “Ka Rex” and “Ka Bunso,” and the recovery of four high-powered firearms. Authorities reported that the remaining CTG elements fled the area following the engagement.
Following the encounter, troops immediately secured the area to prevent further threats and ensure the safety of nearby communities, reflecting the government’s commitment to protect civilians and maintain peace and order in conflict-prone areas.
According to Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained military efforts and the importance of community cooperation in achieving security goals. “This successful operation highlights the effectiveness of our focused military operations and the invaluable support of the local communities. We will continue to intensify our efforts to dismantle the remaining CTG elements and ensure the safety and security of our area of responsibility.”
Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr. commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to ending insurgency and securing peaceful communities.
He stressed that sustained operations, combined with strong collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and community stakeholders, remain essential in achieving long-term peace and stability in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga regions.
The operation aligns with the national government’s broader peace and development agenda under the leadership of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which emphasizes a whole-of-nation approach to addressing the root causes of insurgency through security, development, and community engagement.
Government authorities reiterated that ensuring peace and security in geographically isolated areas enables the delivery of essential services, infrastructure, and livelihood programs that uplift communities and foster inclusive growth.
As government forces continue to sustain focused military operations alongside development interventions, communities in Surigao del Sur are expected to benefit from safer environments, improved access to services, and strengthened opportunities for long-term peace and development.
The continued partnership between government forces and communities remains vital in building peaceful, resilient, and progressive communities across the nation. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
