An alleged high-ranking officer and two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a series of armed encounters in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Military troops killed alias “Luis,” finance officer of the NPA’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and alias “Plender,” a member of the Regional Sentro de Gravidad in the mountainous area of Barangay San Roque on April 17, 2026.

According to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID), the group’s team leader identified as alias “Junjun” surrendered voluntarily to authorities.

4ID added that on April 15, 2026, another suspected rebel was killed while several firearms were seized during a gun battle in Barangay Bolhoon.

30th Infantry Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Rey Vergel Annogui, said despite the attempts of the rebel group to regain strength and re-establish their mass base in previously influenced areas, communities are reportedly no longer receptive to their presence.

He added that residents themselves are the ones reporting the presence of NPA combatants, which contributed to the successful operations.

4ID Commander, Major General Michele Anayron, lauded the troops for their efforts and emphasized that the division is intensifying its focused military operations against the remaining NPA members in the Caraga region.