Top rebel leader neutralized in Surigao del Sur encounter

A top official of a communist terrorist group (CTG) was neutralized during an encounter between the Philippine Army and the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) during an armed encounter at Sitio Casting, Brgy Bayan in the town of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on 11 May 2026.

According to 401^st Infantry “Unite N Fight” Brigade of the Philippine Army, the joint forces of the 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion engaged in a firefight at the said area, leading to the death of the CTG official and the arrest of a CTG member.

NEMRC 2nd Deputy Secretary and Commanding Officer Edilberto Daval was neutralized while security member Jaymark Bada Lamela was arrested. Authorities also confiscated a Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle, and an R4 rifle from the encounter site.

The NEMRC is a division of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

During a series of encounters beforehand, the authorities also neutralized CTG members including the wife of Daval, Lucena Canda at an encounter on April 17, 2026.

According to 401st Infantry Brigade Acting Commander Col. Glenn Joy U. Aynera, “This development marks the continuing collapse of the CTG’s leadership and operational capability in NEMRC.”

“The neutralization of key CTG personalities disrupts their remaining network and reflects the effectiveness of sustained military operations and strong community support in maintaining peace and security in the region,” Aynera added.

The official furthered, “We continue to call on the remaining CTG members to abandon the armed struggle and return peacefully to the folds of the law while they still have the chance. The government is ready to assist them thru various reintegration programs so they can rebuild their lives & reunite with their families.”