CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine military has dealt a massive blow to the communist insurgency after neutralizing a high-ranking commander and a fellow operative of the New People’s Army (NPA) during a rapid succession of fierce weekend firefights in Bukidnon province.

The targeted operations are part of a continuous campaign aimed at entirely dismantling the leadership of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

The armed engagements erupted across two separate locations on Sunday, June 21, 2026, spearheaded by joint forces under the 4th Infantry Division (4ID).

The first gun battle took place in Sitio Tagiptip, Barangay Iba, within Cabanglasan town. Combat teams from the 1st Special Forces Battalion intercepted a group of fleeing rebels, leading to a sharp clash. Following the encounter, troops recovered the body of an NPA member identified as Edward Pantandon (alias "Wando") along with an M16 rifle.

Shortly before midday, the momentum shifted to the forested terrain of Sitio Nalumusan, Barangay Silae in Malaybalay City. Acting on precise tips from local civilians, troops from the 8th Infantry Battalion closed in on the retreating insurgent group.

An intense, five-minute firefight broke out, resulting in the death of the senior rebel commander and forcing the remaining remnants to scatter into the brush.

The military officially identified the slain high-ranking leader as Romeo Mampinsahan, widely known by his aliases “Ka Kakoy” and “Yuman”. Mampinsahan was the commanding officer of the NCMRC Headquarters Force NEO, making him one of the most significant operational figures managing insurgent coordination in the region.

At the Malaybalay clash site, advancing troops secured Mampinsahan's body and confiscated two additional high-powered firearms and ammunition.

"His neutralization is a definitive victory for peace, but more importantly, it is long-awaited justice served to the communities of Bukidnon," stated Lt. Col. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesman for the 4ID.

The strategic victories follow on the heels of the government officially declaring the neighboring Caraga Region under Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status on June 18. Command leaders expect this operational success to mirror those milestones in Northern Mindanao.

Major General Marion Angcao, commander of the 4ID, lauded the ground troops and local partners for their vigilance. He noted that while the military extends its sympathies to the family of the deceased, they are strongly urging the remaining members of the NCMRC to abandon their armed struggle, lay down their weapons, and participate in local integration programs.