SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to government forces in Northern Mindanao days after a deadly clash in Agusan del Sur killed a senior leader of the group’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
The three surrendered separately between September 15 and 17, according to reports, following the September 12 encounters in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
The clash resulted in the deaths of Julia Cagadas, also known by several aliases including “Rheda,” who was identified by the military as the NCMRC secretary, and three other NPA members.
The Philippine Army said the encounters involved units from the 403rd Infantry Brigade, including the 1st Special Forces Battalion and 8th Infantry Battalion. Authorities said the first engagement occurred early on September 12, followed by additional encounters and pursuit operations later that day.
Military officials said the operation also resulted in the recovery of six high-powered firearms.
Three members surrender days after clash
The three NPA members reportedly fled the area following the fighting before surrendering to government troops in separate locations in Agusan del Norte.
Daily Tribune reported that one of the three surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion in Las Nieves on September 15, while two others surrendered to joint forces at the 23rd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Buenavista on September 17.
Two of those who surrendered also turned over an M16 rifle, magazine and ammunition, according to the report.
The Philippine Information Agency separately confirmed that three NPA members surrendered following the operation, although publicly published reports have differed on the identities and positions attributed to the individuals.
Death of NCMRC leader marks major development
The central figure in the September 12 clash was Cagadas, whom the military identified as a senior leader of the NCMRC.
The Philippine News Agency reported that Cagadas and three other rebels were killed during a series of encounters involving government troops operating in the boundary areas of Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon.
The military said the operation was directed against remnants of the NCMRC’s Headquarters Force Neo.
The Philippine Information Agency reported that residents’ information helped government forces locate the armed group. Local officials in Esperanza also said residents in Barangay Bakingking and nearby communities were safe, while the local government provided relief supplies to affected residents whose livelihoods were disrupted by the fighting.
What the surrender could mean
The latest surrenders come as government forces continue operations against remaining communist armed groups in parts of Northern Mindanao.
Military officials have characterized the deaths of senior NCMRC figures and the subsequent surrenders as evidence of pressure on the group’s remaining forces. Those statements, however, are assessments from military authorities rather than an independently established measure of the organization’s overall strength.
The Communist Party of the Philippines’ North Central Mindanao organization has separately acknowledged the deaths of Cagadas and three other NPA members following the Agusan clash.
The conflicting accounts underscore the importance of distinguishing confirmed events from claims made by either side of the conflict.
For communities in Agusan del Sur and neighboring provinces, the immediate issue remains the security and welfare of residents affected by the fighting.
The three recent surrenders could therefore become another test of whether government reintegration programs can encourage remaining combatants to leave the armed conflict—or whether fighting involving NPA remnants will continue in other parts of Mindanao.
For now, one fact is clear: the September 12 clash has been followed by another significant development—the surrender of three NPA members, with the group’s regional leadership already facing the loss of a senior figure.
