Death of Key NPA Figure Myrna Sularte Deepens Leadership Crisis

The recent demise of Myrna Sularte, a prominent leader within the New People’s Army (NPA) known as Ka Maria Malaya, has significantly exacerbated the leadership crisis within the group, according to General Romeo Brawner Jr., the head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Sularte, who served as the secretary of the NPA’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, was killed in a confrontation with government forces in Barangay Pianing, Butuan City. General Brawner emphasized that her death has left the NPA in a state of disarray, severely impacting the morale of its already diminishing ranks. He stated that the absence of strong leadership would hinder the insurgents’ ability to organize their activities, hastening the disintegration of their organization. Brawner described Sularte’s neutralization not only as a military triumph but also as a significant victory for the Filipino populace, promising peace, economic development, and an enhanced quality of life for communities previously plagued by insurgency. He praised the relentless commitment of the Filipino military and the crucial assistance from civilians, which were instrumental in the operation leading to Sularte’s elimination. Despite this success, Brawner affirmed that the military would persist in its efforts against those who threaten peace and order, as part of their dedication to national security and stability. He also declared the NPA’s cause as now irrelevant and lacking legitimacy, suggesting that the AFP could redirect its attention to broader national security issues, such as protecting the nation’s sovereignty, countering foreign threats, and promoting economic advancement. Brawner encouraged the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and utilize the government’s amnesty program to reintegrate into society, warning that continued resistance would lead to outcomes similar to that of Sularte.