NPA remnants neutralized in Agusan Sur clash, safeguarding Caraga’s SIPS status
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army, has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding peace and development in the Caraga region after scoring a decisive victory on September 12 in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, against remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) attempting to reestablish a foothold in the area.
Through sustained combat and non-combat operations, troops of the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade thwarted the NPA’s Headquarters Force Neo of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in a series of encounters from September 10 to 12.
In a press conference organized by the 403rd Infantry Brigade on September 13 in Bukidnon, Lieutenant Colonel Jeorge Jallorina provided the public with a summary of the clash.
“We were able to successfully locate the whereabouts of the targets with the help of the information sharedwitho us by the residents. The successful neutralization demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and seamless interoperability among our brigades,” said Jallorina.
The first encounter on September 12 occurred at around 5:30 a.m. when the 1st Special Forces Battalion engaged the armed group led by Julia Cagadas, alias Ka Rheda/Toyang/Yoko/Kayuka, secretary of the NCMRC. Subsequent clashes followed at 12:20 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., involving the 8th Infantry Battalion and special forces teams.
The operations resulted in the neutralization of four NPA members, including Cagadas, identified as a top leader in Region 10. Other neutralized members were Jonny Almonte Lindayo alias Kikoy/Bugkoy; Rochamae Bihag alias Maki, executive committee member of the NCMRC; and Gerald Basahon alias Doydoy, member of Squad 2, Headquarters Force Neo.
Three NPA members surrendered: Cherelyn Cuarisma Magsayo alias Lian; Marilyn D. Taquin alias Mayumi/Mayang; and Angelito Tahal Torres alias Erin. Troops also seized six high-powered firearms during the operation.
Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rdInfantry Brigade, emphasized that the successful operation demonstrated the brigade’s readiness to prevent displaced armed elements from penetrating cleared areas. “This victory shows our capability to sustain operational pressure and deny insurgents any chance to disrupt the peace and security gains of Caraga,” Tubalado said.
Major General Marion T. Angcao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, underscored the developmental dimension of the military’s mission. “Our troops have successfully fulfilled their mandate to protect our communities and preserve the peace gains we have achieved. With the threat contained, we must also look beyond the battlefield and help the families affected by this conflict,” Angcao stated.
He stressed that while neutralizing armed combatants is part of the mandate, those involved are often individuals exploited by insurgent recruitment. “Extending compassion and assistance does not diminish our accomplishment; rather, it strengthens our resolve to end the cycle of violence, prevent further recruitment, and ensure that no more lives and families are lost to insurgency,” he added.
The 4th Infantry Division remains vigilant in protecting Caraga’s Stable Internal Peace and Security status, ensuring that communities are shielded from insurgent threats while supporting peace and development efforts across its area of operations.
Meanwhile, Mayor Deo Manpatilan Jr. of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, assured the public that beyond the military operations, the local government unit (LGU) also ensures the welfare of those residents and farmers who were greatly affected by the armed conflict.
“Thankfully, the residents of Barangay Bakingking and the neighboring areas are all safe, and no casualties have been recorded. Right after the incident, the LGU has also deployed relief operations through our quick response team (QRT) to provide the affected residents with an ample amount of supplies, especially as their livelihood had been disrupted for the past days,” shared Manpatilan.
The official added that the presence of NPA remnants came as a surprise to them, as they have long strived to partner with the government in combating insurgency and aid in the reformation of friends rescued (FR) by providing them with livelihood opportunities. Nonetheless, Manpatilan expressed LGU Esperanza’s commitment to contributing to Caraga’s continuing mission to lasting peace.
This decisive victory not only neutralized armed threats but also reinforced the government’s broader developmental agenda: building resilient communities, preventing exploitation, and sustaining peace as the foundation for growth in the Caraga region. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from 4th Infantry Division News)
