Agusan del sur: The Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) confirmed Sunday the death of the top leader of the People's Army-North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NPA-NCMRC) and three other rebels following a series of encounters over the weekend. The clashes took place from Thursday to Saturday in the boundaries of Agusan del Sur and the province of Bukidnon, as stated by Lt. Col. Jorge Jallorina, commander of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) under the operational control of the 403rd Infantry Brigade (403Bde), during a press conference.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 'coordinated and focused military operation' targeted remnants of the NCMRC led by its secretary, Julia Cagadas, known by the alias "Rheda." Alongside Cagadas, alias "Maki," Jonny Lindayo (alias "Kikoy/Bugkoy"), and alias "Doydoy" were killed. Following the second encounter on Saturday, three NPA members surrendered to the operating troops. Government forces recovered six high-powered firearms.

Brig. Gen. Seigfred Tubalado, 403Bde commander, stated that with the death of Cagadas and other key leaders of NCMRC, the group is no longer capable of inflicting violent activities, although remnants of the group are still operating in parts of Misamis Oriental. In a separate statement on Sunday, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) mentioned that sustained military pressure and the disruption of NCMRC's support networks have left its remaining members facing significant logistical difficulties, including food shortages.

The EastMinCom reported that the group reportedly moved toward Esperanza in Agusan del Sur to seek food and other support, which eventually led to encounters with government troops.