Demoralized NPA member surrenders in Agusan del Norte, yields 2 high-powered firearms

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - One (1) regular member of the New People's Army (NPA) terrorist group in Northeastern Mindanao peacefully surrendered to the troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion at Purok 4, Brgy. Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Said NPA member was identified as Edgardo Trabaho Carbonilla, alias Dexter, a member of an NPA unit mostly operating in Caraga region. Upon his surrender, Carbonilla also yielded two (2) high powered firearms - an M16 rifle and 7.62mm AKCZ rifle.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark S. Tabon, Commanding Officer of 29IB, said the surrenderer participated in securing the top NPA leader Myrna Sularte, also known as Maria Malaya, from 3rd Quarter in 2024 until her demise in February this year. He added that when Sularte died, remnants of her group were demoralized, prompting their surrender to the government.

In his statement, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr. said that the series of surrender of NPA remnants underscore the 4ID's relentless commitment to restore peace and development in vulnerable areas and help former NPA members bring back their normal lives.

"The NPA in the region is now powerless. After the neutralization of their key leaders, the group's structure has been severely weakened which resulted in the mass surrender of their members. Also, the surrenderers' statements reflected the hardships they faced in the mountains and the strong desire to reunite with their families and be able to live peacefully. With this, we will continue to intensify our efforts to ensure the continued degradation of the NPA’s influence, while prioritizing the safety of vulnerable communities affected by their activities," he added.