The Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the communist insurgency movement has collapsed following the surrender of all its remaining members, according to the military.
The 4th Infantry Division announced that the final five members of the NEMRC surrendered on May 28 to joint personnel of the 401st Infantry Brigade and the Philippine National Police Special Action Force in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.
Military officials said the surrender marked the complete dismantling of the regional committee, which had been operating in Northeastern Mindanao.
The development came a day after three other members of the Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) under the NEMRC surrendered to the 401st Infantry Brigade on May 27. Authorities said the surrendering individuals turned over one carbine rifle, three carbine rifle magazines and 28 rounds of carbine ammunition.
According to the military, the recent surrenders were attributed to increasing demoralization within the group following the death of its leader, Edilberto Daval, also known by the aliases Bong, Waco and Bill, during an encounter on May 11.
Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the former members voluntarily surrendered and pledged support for the government’s peace and development initiatives.
Aynera described the development as a significant milestone in efforts to end insurgency in the Caraga Region.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr. Angcao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, commended military personnel, local government units and community stakeholders for their contributions to the campaign.
Angcao said the collapse of the NEMRC reflected the impact of military operations, local government cooperation and community support.
He added that the government remains committed to helping former rebels reintegrate into society through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other peace-building initiatives.
