By Louie B. Oranda |
MARIHATAG, Surigao del Sur — A high-ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while another member was arrested during a joint military operation in Sitio Casting, Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on May 11, 2026.
The operation was conducted by the 75th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Earl Pardillo and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Jayson Pangandoyon, operating under the 401st Infantry Brigade.
The slain rebel was identified as Edilberto Daval, also known as “Bong,” “Waco,” and “Bill,” who allegedly served as 2nd Deputy Secretary of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), as well as Executive Committee member and Commanding Officer of the Regional Operation Command.
Authorities also arrested Jaymark Lamela, also known as “Miggy,” who was reportedly a security member of the same regional command.
Military troops recovered several firearms during the operation, including a Tavor TAR-21 rifle reportedly used by Daval, and an R4 rifle allegedly carried by Lamela.
Officials said the encounter followed a previous clash on April 17, 2026, between government troops and NPA members in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, which resulted in the death of the wife of “Ka Bong,” identified as Lucena Candia, also known as “Madi” or “Louise.”
Additional high-powered firearms and personal belongings were also seized during that earlier incident.
Lt. Col. Aynera said Daval had long been a priority target of military operations due to multiple pending cases, including alleged kidnapping, murder, and arson filed in various courts across the region.
“We had an ongoing security operation and plan to neutralize Bong/Waco,” Aynera said.
He added that Daval’s death reflects the continued weakening of communist rebel forces in the Caraga region.
Authorities are also urging remaining members of the group to surrender voluntarily and return to civilian life.
