The military said the communist rebel group’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee has collapsed following the surrender of its remaining members in Surigao del Sur.
The 4th Infantry Division said the last five members of the NEMRC surrendered on May 28 to joint troops of the 401st Infantry Brigade and the Philippine National Police Special Action Force in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.
Their surrender came a day after three other members of the Regional Sentro de Grabidad of the NEMRC yielded to the 401st Brigade on May 27.
The military said the three also turned over one carbine rifle, three carbine rifle magazines, and 28 rounds of carbine ammunition.
Officials attributed the surrender to the growing demoralization within the group following the death of its leader, Edilberto Daval, also known as Bong, Waco, and Bill, in an encounter on May 11.
Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the former rebels voluntarily surrendered and pledged support for the government’s peace and development efforts.
“This significant development marks another major milestone in our intensified campaign to end insurgency in Caraga Region. The surrender of the remaining NEMRC members signifies the complete dismantling of one of the CTG’s major regional formations operating in Northeastern Mindanao,” Aynera said.
Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, lauded the troops, local government units, and community stakeholders who helped sustain pressure on the rebel group.
“The total collapse of the NEMRC is a testament to the effectiveness of our focused military operations, strengthened collaboration with local government units, and the unwavering support of the communities. This achievement brings us closer to attaining lasting peace and sustainable development in the region,” he said.
The military said the government remains ready to help the former rebels return to mainstream society through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and other peace-building initiatives.