Caraga: The communist New People’s Army (NPA) has experienced a significant decline in its ranks, with 20 fighters surrendering to various Army units in the Caraga Region between February and early April 2025, the military announced Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, these surrenders occurred in the wake of the death of Myrna Sularte, known as Maria Malaya, the top rebel leader in the Caraga Region, who led the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). The Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) stated that the surrendering individuals handed over seven firearms, ammunition, and other war materials during this period.
Out of the 20 fighters who surrendered, 14 were identified as regular NPA members under the NEMRC, while the remaining six were part of the militia operating in areas under the committee’s control. Following Sularte’s death on February 12, seven NPA rebels surrendered to different Army units in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Agusan del Sur on February 21. Among the surrenderers was Chrystal Malaya Sagbigsal, also known as Islaw, a member of the NEMRC’s Regional Instructors Bureau.
On March 24, nine additional NPA fighters, led by Luiegy Sagas, also known as Boswan from the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland of NEMRC, surrendered to the Army in Agusan del Norte. From April 3 to 8, four more NPA fighters yielded in Agusan del Norte, including Edgardo Carbonilla, also known as Dexter, from SRSDG Westland of NEMRC.
Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, commander of the 901Bde, stated in the same release, “These surrenders reflect the significant disintegration within the NEMRC, directly linked to the loss of its leadership and the continuous pressure brought about by relentless military operations coupled with a loss of support from the communities.” He further added that these developments contradict the NPA’s assertion that Sularte’s death would motivate more of its fighters to pursue their cause.
Brig. Gen. Sadural also noted that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) claims to have numerous veteran and young cadres ready to assume Sularte’s leadership and continue her legacy. However, he asserted that the leader’s death has in fact diminished the morale of its members and caused disorganization within the NEMRC, resulting in a series of surrenders.
