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Military sees downfall of communists in Northern Mindanao

Philippines | Luzon

Military sees downfall of communists in Northern Mindanao

By Keith Bacongco

DAVAO CITY – The death of top New People’s Army leader Myrna Sularte, also known as Maria Malaya, could lead to the downfall of the communist movement in Northern Mindanao region, the military said.

BUTUAN MALAYA.jpg

Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 4^th Infantry (Diamond) Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, said that they are hoping that Malaya’s death would be the NPA’s final straw and eventually lead to the total surrender of their remaining members.

“It is unfortunate that Malaya has suffered the same tragic fate as her husband, Ka Oris, and their son, Vincent. We have offered them the path of peace countless times, yet they have never listened or given us a chance,” Anayron added.

Sularte was killed in an encounter with the 901st Infantry Brigade in Barangay Pianing, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 12.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/12/npa-leader-maria-malaya-wife-of-jorge-madlos-killed-in-butuan-clash

Malaya was the widow of NPA leader Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos who was also killed in a clash with soldiers in Bukidnon in October 2021.

The couple was said to be among the old guards of the communist movement in Mindanao.

Sularte was said to be the secretary of the NPA-Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee and a member of the political bureau of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Capt. Jonel Castillo, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Brigade based in Placer, Surigao del Norte, said that no other known figures in the communist movement in the region could take over the leadership.

Related Tags

New People's Army Maria Malaya Myrna Sularte

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