BREAKING: Game over for Southern Mindanao’s armed insurgency as final remnants fall

MANILA — Kontra Kwento can confirm that combined elements of the Army’s 10th Infantry “Agila” Division and Police Regional Office 13 have arrested the highest-ranking CPP-NPA cadre still operating in Southern Mindanao, along with seven others in Barangays Bunawan Brooke and San Teodoro, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (June 13).

WHO WERE TAKEN DOWN

1. Charisse Bernadine “Nikki” Bañez – Secretary, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) – Regional Party

2. Ronnie “Gideon” Igloria – Vice Commanding Officer

3. Louvaine Erika “Pam” Espina – Unit medic

4. Sinag “Jomilyn” Lugsi

5. Larry “Laloy” Montero

6. Daryl “Tonton” Man-Inday

7. Arjie Guino “Ronron” Dadizon

8. Grace Niknik “Jelyn” Man-aning

MILITARY SAYS: ‘FINISHING BLOW’ TO NPA JAGUAR NETWORK

“This apprehension marks a decisive victory against the remaining elements of the SMRC,” Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala, commander of the 10ID, said in a statement. “It reflects the unwavering dedication of our troops and our partners in the PNP to safeguard the peace we have established in our communities.”

The arrest follows the deaths of Elbert Carol Echavez, alias “Aldrin,” on May 10, the RSDG Jaguar commanding officer, and Jeffry Casal, alias “Lalai,” on April 27, Jaguar's vice Team Leader.

WHY IT MATTERS

Until less than a decade ago, the Southern Mindanao Region's CPP-NPA was one of the most active NPA regional commands in the country. Already dwindling since 2017, it has now lost at least five of its more senior cadres in six weeks, and with the recent arrest, has effectively wiped out the NPA's armed presence in the region. Former rebels warn that while the communist insurgency's armed capacity in Southern Mindanao has been dismantled, its urban-based recruiters, known as the "white area" operatives, remain active.

Stay with Kontra Kwento for verified updates, former rebels' accounts, and community reactions as this story develops.