Cagayan de oro: The collapse of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) leadership has set the stage for Northern Mindanao's declaration under a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS), military officials said Monday. At the same time, the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) appealed to remaining insurgents to surrender rather than face continued operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the synchronized employment of the brigade's forces and specialized capabilities enabled government troops to effectively respond to the armed group's presence, sustain operational pressure, and prevent its attempt to establish a foothold in the area, Brig. Gen. Seigfred Tubalado, the commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said in a statement on Monday.

The death of NCMRC secretary Julia Cagadas (alias "Rheda," "Toyang," "Yoko" "Kayuka") and the neutralization of other key leaders have left the communist group incapable of inflicting violence, though about six to eight active combatants remain in the area, according to 4ID commander Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao. "Even if the six are still there, we can declare SIPS because they are already insignificant and their leaders have been neutralized. But it is still better to totally clear the area -- either through surrenders or neutralization -- so we can formally present Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and eventually the entire Region X as SIPS or insurgency-free," Angcao said.

"Our troops have successfully fulfilled their mandate to protect our communities and preserve the peace gains we have achieved." He added that the units of 4ID will also support the initiatives of the local government units and government agencies in providing support to families affected by the recent conflict.

'Extending compassion and assistance does not diminish our accomplishment. Rather, it strengthens our resolve to end the cycle of violence, prevent further recruitment and exploitation, and ensure that no more lives and families are lost to insurgency,' Angcao said. He emphasized that military operations prioritize lives over body counts and appealed to the remaining rebels to lay down their arms and avail themselves of government reintegration programs under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The clashes began at dawn Saturday when troops from the 1st Special Forces Battalion intercepted Cagadas' group in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Reinforcing troops from the 8th Infantry Battalion engaged the same unit again at 12:20 p.m., followed by a combined pursuit operation with Special Forces teams at 1 p.m.

Killed along with Cagadas were fellow New People's Army officers alias "Maki," Jonny Lindayo (alias 'Kikoy/Bugkoy") and alias "Doydoy." Three insurgents surrendered after the encounters -- Cherelyn Magsayo, alias "Lian," signal/communication staff of the NCMRC executive committee; Marilyn Taquin, alias "Mayumi/Mayang"; and Angelito Torres, alias "Erin," platoon medic and team leader.

Government troops likewise recovered six high-powered firearms. The bodies of the slain insurgents were processed by the Police Regional Office Caraga Scene of the Crime Operatives for legal documentation and family notification.