Philippine Army troops from the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division thwarted an attempt by New People's Army (NPA) remnants from Region 10 to reestablish a foothold in the Caraga Region following a series of encounters in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on September 12, 2026.
The operation, carried out by troops of the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, resulted in the neutralization of four NPA members — including a top regional commander — the surrender of three others, and the seizure of six high-powered firearms, according to a statement issued by the 4th Infantry Division.
Clashes Unfold in Three Phases
The encounters began at approximately 5:30 a.m. when troops of the 1st Special Forces Battalion engaged the NPA's Headquarters Force Neo of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in the area.
A second engagement followed at around 12:20 p.m., when troops of the 8th Infantry Battalion encountered the same armed group. At approximately 1:00 p.m., the 8th Infantry Battalion, together with Special Forces teams, conducted pursuit operations that resulted in the neutralization of three NPA members.
Top NPA Leader Among Those Neutralized
Among those neutralized was Julia Cagadas, also known by the aliases Rheda, Toyang, Yoko, and Kayuka — identified by the Army as Secretary of the NCMRC and a top NPA leader in Region 10. The Army described Cagadas as the leader of the armed group that attempted to infiltrate the Caraga Region.
Three other NPA members were also neutralized during the operation, identified in the Army statement as:
- Jonny Almonte Lindayo aka Kikoy/Bugkoy
- Rochamae Bihag aka Maki, ED/PROD, Executive Committee, NCMRC
- Gerald Basahon aka Doydoy, member of Squad 2, Headquarters Force Neo, NCMRC
Three NPA Members Surrender to Troops
Three NPA members surrendered to government forces during the operation, according to the 4th Infantry Division. They were identified as:
- Cherelyn Cuarisma Magsayo aka Lian, Signal Communication, Executive Committee, NCMRC
- Marilyn D. Taquin aka Mayumi/Mayang, member of Squad 1, Headquarters Force Neo, NCMRC
- Angelito Tahal Torres aka Erin, Platoon Medic/Team Leader, Headquarters Force Neo, NCMRC
403rd Brigade Commander Cites Synchronized Force Employment
Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, Commander of the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, said the operation demonstrated the brigade's readiness and capability to prevent displaced armed elements from penetrating previously cleared areas.
He said the synchronized use of the brigade's forces and specialized capabilities allowed government troops to effectively respond to the armed group's presence, sustain operational pressure, and prevent any attempt to establish a foothold in the region.
4ID Commander Calls for Compassion Alongside Combat
Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said the operation underscores the Division's commitment to protect communities and preserve hard-earned peace and security gains in Caraga. He also drew attention to the human dimension of the conflict.
"Our troops have successfully fulfilled their mandate to protect our communities and preserve the peace gains we have achieved. With the threat contained, we must also look beyond the battlefield and help the families affected by this conflict. Extending compassion and assistance does not diminish our accomplishment; rather, it strengthens our resolve to end the cycle of violence, prevent further recruitment and exploitation, and ensure that no more lives and families are lost to insurgency," Major General Angcao said in a statement.
He stressed that while the neutralization of armed combatants is necessary, those involved in the armed struggle are also individuals who may have been recruited, influenced, and exploited — and that behind every casualty is a family bearing the consequences of the conflict.
By the Numbers
- 4 NPA members neutralized during the operation
- 3 NPA members who surrendered to government forces
- 6 high-powered firearms seized
- 3 separate engagements, beginning at 5:30 a.m. and concluding around 1:00 p.m. on September 12, 2026
Why This Matters
The operation directly disrupted an attempt by NPA remnants from Region 10 to reenter and reestablish a presence in the Caraga Region, which holds Stable Internal Peace and Security status. The neutralization of NCMRC Secretary Julia Cagadas removes a senior NPA commander from the field and deals a significant blow to the group's regional command structure. The 4th Infantry Division said it remains vigilant in preventing further infiltration attempts and will continue to support peace and development efforts across its area of operations.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army / 4th Infantry Division