Top New People’s Army (NPA) leader in the Caraga Region, Myrna Sularte, alias Maria Malaya, was killed during an encounter with military troops in Barangay Pianing, Butuan City on Wednesday, the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said.
Sularte, secretary of the NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, clashed with soldiers of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) in the hinterlands of Sitio Tagulahi. She was the wife of Jorge Madlos, alias Ka Oris, a ranking NPA leader killed in Bukidnon in October 2021.
In a statement, the 4ID said government troops engaged the rebels twice on Wednesday, with the second clash in the afternoon, resulting in Sularte’s death. Soldiers also recovered several items and personal belongings from the encounter site.
“We have finally brought an end to the reign of terror in Caraga, led by the notorious Malaya, who is also one of the most wanted NPA leaders in the country,” said Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, commander of the 90th Infantry Brigade, the mother unit of the 30IB.
Sularte faced multiple criminal charges, including rebellion, aggravated arson, robbery with double homicide, kidnapping, and murder, stemming from her alleged involvement in acts of terrorism across the region.
Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., 4ID commander, commended the troops for their accomplishment but expressed regret over Sularte’s fate.
“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 said.
He expressed hope that Sularte’s death would encourage remaining NPA rebels in the region to surrender and embrace peace. (PNA)
