Saturday, March 29, 2025

Tag: 8th Infantry Battalion

3 NPA rebels surrender, yield 12 firearms in Bukidnon

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Three New People’s Army (NPA) members have yielded their guns and surrendered to the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion in Bukidnon, the military reported

The rebels, identified as Jimboy Tingkayan of the Ordnance (Copper), ROC, NCMRC; Michael Donggo of Sqd SO, Sqd 3, RSDG Compaq, NCMRC; and Mansalodong Lan-awan of SSGU, SRC 2, NCMRC, surrendered to the troops on August 8, 2023.

According to the report, the said rebels chose to surrender due to exhaustion, hunger, and demoralization brought about by the relentless operations of the military and the lack of support from the civilians.

When he surrendered, Tingkayan revealed the different locations of arms caches in the hinterlands of Pantaron Range and Saldab Complex.

The military was able to capture four AK47 rifles, one M16 rifle, one M14 rifle, two M203 grenade launchers, and one carbine rifle.

Donggo, who is a regular communist terrorist group (CTG) member, and Mansalodong Lan-awan, a Milisyang Bayan member, also surrendered one carbine rifle, one KG9 sub-machine gun, and one .38 caliber revolver,

“We highly appreciate the full cooperation and concern of the local populace, especially the barangay officials who led their communities in moving towards the path of peace. Their support led to the series of encounters as well as the previous successful operations in Saldab Complex,” 403rd Brigade Commander Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr. said.

“We will not stop until we totally defeat the CTG. As to the CNT (Communist Pary of the Philippines-NPA terrorists) surrenderers, we welcome you back to the folds of the law, back to your families, and to the new chapter of your lives, free from the disillusionment brought to you by the CTG,” he added. (Sunstar)

Cadaver of slain top NPA leader in Northern Mindanao now with family

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Military and police officials handed over the remains of the slain top communist rebel leader, Dionisio Micabalo, to his family last July 29, 2023, in a small courtyard outside a funeral parlor in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental

Brigadier General Adonis Ariel Orio, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade, said the cadaver of Micabalo, alias “Muling,” was turned over to his siblings, Ronelo and Fely, who came to Gingoog City, along with officials from Dangcagan municipality in Bukidnon, to fetch his corpse.

Orio said the 61-year-old New People’s Army (NPA) leader hailed from Dangcagan town, and his family wanted him to be buried there.

“There was no hassle. As soon as the PNP (Philippine National Police) and my soldiers ascertained their identities, his remains were turned over to the family,” Orio said.

Micabalo, who was secretary general of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, was killed during a brief firefight with soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Libertad, Gingoog City, last July 27.

Colonel Christian Uy, 58th Infantry Battalion commander, said they have been tracking the movements of Micabalo after he transferred to Gingoog City from Mt. Pantaron range in Bukidnon, where the latter was previously based.

Orio said that with Micabalo gone, a young rebel leader named “Kumander Rida,” a former student from Cagayan de Oro City is expected to become the next secretary general of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

During his second State of the Nation Address on July 24, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he will issue a proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees. He asked Congress for support on this matter.

But Marco Valbuena, Communist Party of the Philippines information officer, rejected the offer of Marcos, calling it “a treacherous offer of amnesty and surrender.” (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

Army confers gold award to Bukidnon-based 8IB

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Army (PA) has conferred the “Gold Trailblazer Award” to the 8th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Bukidnon in this year’s Army Government Pathway (AGP) program

In a statement on June 27, 2023, the 8IB said it received the highest distinction given to an Army unit, with a rate of 96.4 percent.
Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, the 8IB commander, said the award indicates the battalion’s commitment to aligning with the PA’s vision of a “world-class, multi-mission ready, and cross-domain capable Army by 2040.”
“Our efforts must be directed to sustain our gains and let us continue to be steadfast in our quest for genuine reforms,” Bacus added.
AGP helps organizations execute their transformation initiatives to yield breakthrough results. It has four stages – Initiated, Compliant, Proficient, and Institutionalized – in which Army units nationwide are rated internally, according to 8IB.
The award also indicates that 8IB has shown “exemplary progress” in governance and strategy management in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap, it added.
The 8IB’s latest field accomplishments included dismantling the communist New People’s Army group earlier this month in Sitio Malinao, Barangay Kalasungay, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
An encounter that erupted led to the death of a rebel fighter and the seizure of rebel firearms and other materials. (Nef Luczon/PNA)