Surigao del sur: A series of military operations this month dealt major setbacks to the communist New People's Army (NPA) in Caraga Region, particularly in Surigao del Sur, with government forces recovering 14 high-powered firearms, ammunition, and other war materials. This month's ongoing operations also led to the deaths of two NPA rebels and the surrender of two others.
According to Philippines News Agency, Capt. Melvin Dela Calzada, operations officer of the Philippine Army's 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, attributed these successes to the combined efforts of the military, local government units, and civilians through the effective implementation of the whole-of-nation approach. He emphasized that the Army battalions in Caraga have established strong relationships with communities, including civilians who once supported the rebel movement.
Capt. Dela Calzada noted that issues once leveraged by the NPA to recruit civilians and influence communities have been addressed by the government. Through civil-military operations, the Army has identified community concerns and referred them to relevant government agencies and local governments for prompt action. He stated, "The NPA rebels could no longer exploit the issues and concerns since these are already addressed by the government."
The 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) under the 401st Infantry Brigade made significant recoveries on March 24, seizing three high-powered firearms in Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. The cache included a Czech VZ rifle and two Carbine rifles. On March 22, two NPA rebels were killed in a clash with government forces in Barangay Nurcia, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, resulting in the recovery of four high-powered firearms and ammunition. The encounter followed reports of rebels engaging in extortion activities.
Additionally, on March 21, two NPA rebels surrendered to the 36IB headquarters, bringing with them two high-powered firearms. Earlier, on March 13, troops from the 30IB uncovered four high-powered firearms in Barangay Carromata, San Miguel, including three M16A1 rifles, one M4 rifle, and 173 rounds of assorted ammunition. Two days prior, 30IB troopers also recovered an R4 rifle with ammunition in Barangay Carromata.
Meanwhile, the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in Butuan City reported that as of March 26, a total of 155 former rebels from Agusan del Norte have been issued safe conduct passes (SCPs). To date, LAB-Butuan has received 556 SCP applications, including 232 filed this year, with 169 still in process.
