In a significant blow to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Caraga region, Myrna Sularte, known by her alias Maria Malaya, was fatally shot during a confrontation with the Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Pianing, Butuan City. The incident occurred on February 12, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in the area. Sularte, who held the position of secretary for the NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, was engaged in combat in the remote area of Sitio Tagulahi. The military reported two separate clashes with NPA rebels on that day, with the second encounter leading to Sularte’s demise. The army also seized various items and personal effects from the site of the skirmish. Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, from the 90th Infantry Brigade, declared the end of a terror regime in Caraga, emphasizing Sularte’s status as a highly sought-after NPA leader. Sularte was facing numerous charges, including rebellion, aggravated arson, robbery with double homicide, kidnapping, and murder, linked to her alleged terrorist activities in the region. Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., the 4ID commander, while acknowledging the military’s success, lamented the tragic end of Sularte, who followed in the footsteps of her husband, Jorge Madlos (Ka Oris), and their son, Vincent, both previously killed in action. Anayron expressed a hope that Sularte’s death might persuade remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and seek peace.
