THE death of Mindanao’s top terrorist leader during an encounter in the town of Impasugong, Bukidnon, last October 30, 2021, has deepened the crisis and demoralization inside the communist terrorist movement, especially in Mindanao, with the military announcing the total “collapse” of yet another terrorist front under Madlos’ overall command.
Philippine Army M/Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. chief of the 4th Infantry Division, Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC), in a situational update, said that last November 17, another group of terrorists under ‘Guerilla Front Malayag’ headed by its commander, Michael B. Mantikinon, alias ‘Kimay,’ led the remaining 10-members of his command in surrendering before elements of the 88th and 3rd Infantry Battalions, in the town of Maramag, Bukidnon.
Brawner identified Mantikinon’s companions as: Irish B. Arcayan alias Trixie, political instructor and party wife of Mantikinon; Garry B. Mantikinon alias Mikmik, team leader Alpha, Squad 2, GF Malayag;
Rimmel R. Medado, alias Jerome, security officer, Squad 2, GF Malayag; Sitoy Gamot alias Dave, team leader Bravo, Squad 2, GF Malayag; James Abaton alias Paling, vice CO of Platoon 2, GF Malayag;
Tisoy Tormis alias Jeckboy, team leader, Squad 1, GF Malayag; Okaris Gibangon alias Tambok, medic squad 2, GF Malayag; Juvelyn Arellano alias Maymay, medic, squad 1, GF Malayag; Shiela Manaay alias Ella, security officer, Squad 2, GF Malayag; and, Benjamin O. Arcayan alias Frenz.
The military official added the group also brought with them 5 M16 assault rifles, 1 M203 grenade launcher, explosives and ammunitions.
Three days previously, last November 14, 2021, 6 other members of the terrorist group operating in Bukidnon preceded the group of Mantikinon in turning themselves over to the military.
Brawner identified the surrendered terrorists as formerly belonging to the Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Prior to his death, Madlos was the most prominent CPP leader in Mindanao. Aside from being a member of the CPP Central Committee, Madlos was identified as the chief of the National Operational Command of the New People’s Army. He was also designated as CPP spokesman after the death of Gregorio ‘Ka Roger’ Rosal in 2011 due to a lingering illness.
Collapse just a matter of time
“They admitted that losing their leaders and the continuous focused military operations of the 4ID troops forced them to flee, and prevented them to organize and recruit to regain control and influence over their target barangays,” Brawner added.
Brawner further bared that the ranks of the CPP-NPA in Northern Mindanao, particularly in Bukidnon, continues to be decimated with the arrest of GF-Malayag’s front secretary, Ramil Banawan last October 25, 2021 and the death of Madlos 5 days later.
He added that the head of SRC2, Bernie M. Sinunta, had also surrendered to the military.
“I am elated with this very significant development because this is the result of our relentless campaign against the said terrorist group in the Pantaron Mountain Ranges covering Malaybalay City, San Fernando, and Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.
“I commend the 88IB and 403rd Brigade, as well as the intelligence units, for another victory. They worked tirelessly with civilians in order to attain this success,” Brawner said.
With GF-Malayag written off, the CPP-NPA now only has 42 remaining terrorist bases in the country.
Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, in defending the 2022 proposed budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) for 2022 last November 16, 2021, reported that based on military estimates, the CPP now only has “43” remaining hideouts, a day before the surrender of Mantikinon and the remnants of his group to the 4th ID.
“This is history in the making. Bukidnon will finally be free from the clutches of the CPP-NPA-NDF. Truly, the end of the communist terrorist group in Bukidnon is happening,” said Brawner.
“Meanwhile, we will exploit our gains and intensify our military operations. This is the best time to push further and harder in order to finally eradicate the whole NCMRC and continue our pivot against the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) in the Caraga region,” he added.