Gov’t forces sustain pressure on communist group, neutralizes key leader in Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Sustained focused military operations by government troops continue to weaken the presence of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in the Caraga region, as the 30th Infantry Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, engaged remaining CTG members in the mountainous area of Barangay San Roque, San Miguel.
The operation on April 17 resulted in the neutralization of two New People’s Army (NPA) members, including a high-ranking leader identified as Lucy Canda, also known as alias Luis/Madi, who served as finance officer of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and Gia Miano, also known as alias Plender/Moning, a member of the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG).
Meanwhile, the group’s team leader, Jun Requina Jr., also known as Junjun, voluntarily surrendered to government troops, signaling weakening morale among the remaining CTG members in the area.
Operations strengthen security
The recent encounter followed successive military engagements targeting the same group, including an earlier operation conducted on April 15 by the 75th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, which resulted in the neutralization of one CTG member and the recovery of several firearms.
According to Rey Vergel Annogui, commanding officer of the 30th Infantry Battalion, continued attempts by CTG members to regain strength and re-establish their presence in previously influenced communities have been unsuccessful, as residents have become more vigilant and less receptive to their activities.
Annogui emphasized that the cooperation of communities, particularly through timely reporting of suspicious activities, played a vital role in the successful conduct of military operations.
Community cooperation key to peace and development
The 4th Infantry Division Commander, Michele B. Anayron Jr., commended government troops for their continued dedication and recognized the support of local communities in maintaining peace and security.
Anayron underscored that strong civilian cooperation remains critical in sustaining operational gains and achieving long-term peace in affected areas.
He also noted that the division continues to intensify focused military operations against the remaining eight armed CTG members believed to be operating within the Caraga region.
Sustaining peace gains for regional development
Military officials expressed confidence that continued collaboration among government agencies, local government units, stakeholders, and communities will encourage remaining armed CTG members to surrender or be neutralized.
Authorities emphasized that sustained peace and security efforts remain essential to enabling development initiatives, improving access to government services, and strengthening economic opportunities in communities previously affected by insurgency.
With strengthened security measures and active civilian participation, government forces remain committed to achieving lasting peace and fostering development across Surigao del Sur and the wider Caraga region. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
