EastMinCom Troops Neutralize Top NPA Leader in Eastern Mindanao

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) troops from the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) successfully neutralized a high-ranking Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) leader during an encounter in Sitio Tagulahi, Brgy. Pianing, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte on February 12.

According to the report from the 901st Infantry Brigade, troops promptly responded to the information provided by concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed individuals engaging in illegal activities in the area which resulted to an armed encounter. The neutralized CNT was identified as Myrna Sularte alias “Maria Malaya” and “Ka Iyay”, who served as the Secretary of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and Political Bureau Member of the Central Committee, Communist Party of the Philippines and Executive Committee of Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID).

Myrna Sularte was the widow of the late Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos, a prominent figure in the New People's Army (NPA) National Operations Command (NOC), who was killed in October 2021 in an encounter against government forces in Bukidnon. Sularte operated in the Caraga Region and Northern Mindanao, where she was responsible for numerous atrocities, including the killing of civilians, destruction of government projects, and other terroristic activities across Surigao and Agusan Provinces. A native of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, she is one of the most wanted NPA leaders in the country. She also had multiple criminal charges, including Murder, Multiple Murders, Frustrated Murder, Robbery with Double Homicide, Destruction of Property, and other criminal offenses.

Meanwhile, EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Luis Rex D. Bergante PA commended the unwavering dedication of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond troops and the invaluable support of civilians, which culminated in the successful operation that resulted in the demise of "Maria Malaya". He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the slain CTG leader and called on the remaining CNTs to abandon their armed struggle and surrender peacefully.

"It is unfortunate that things had to end this way. Over the past few months, we have made numerous attempts to reach out to her. In fact, just last week, we presented 232 former rebels with their surrendered firearms to the Special Assistant to the President (SAP), Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr. However, the death of alias "Maria Malaya" marks the conclusion of countless atrocities perpetrated by the CTG that span decades, particularly in Caraga region. 

This also highlights the Command's unwavering commitment to support those who choose the path of peace. Through various forms of government assistance, we are helping them reintegrate into mainstream society and offering them the opportunity to rebuild their lives for a brighter future," LtGen. Bergante said.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP