The encounters occurred in Barangay Bakingking from September 11 to 12, 2026, after government troops received information from residents regarding the presence of armed NCMRC members in the area.
Orasat Mga Kalendaryo
Acting on the reports, joint forces from the 1st Special Forces Battalion and 8th Infantry Battalion, under the 4th Infantry Division and 403rd Infantry Brigade, launched operations against an estimated nine armed members of the group.
Among those killed was Julia Cagadas, alias “Rheda,” whom the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) identified as the NCMRC regional secretary and its highest-ranking remaining leader.
Three others were also killed during the encounters: alias “Maki,” reportedly a member of the Finance Executive Committee; Jonny Almonte Lindayo, alias “Kikoy/Bugkoy,” identified as an ordnance officer of Headquarters Force NEO; and alias “Doydoy,” also reportedly a member of HQF NEO.
Meanwhile, three other NCMRC members surrendered to government forces after leaving the encounter area and proceeding to a nearby barangay.
Troops recovered six high-powered firearms from the area, including three M653 rifles, two M16 rifles, and one R4 rifle, as well as other war materiel.
According to EastMinCom, sustained military pressure and the disruption of the group's support networks had left its remaining members facing serious logistical difficulties, including food shortages. The group reportedly moved toward Esperanza to seek food and other support, eventually coming into contact with government forces.
Military authorities said the loss of Cagadas could significantly affect the NCMRC's remaining command structure, particularly its ability to maintain organizational cohesion, mobilize personnel, manage logistics and sustain armed operations.
The latest operation follows the June 21 encounter in Bukidnon that resulted in the death of Romeo Manpinsahan, alias “Kakoy/Yuman,” whom authorities identified as the commanding officer of HQF NEO.
EastMinCom said the successive loss of key leaders and personnel responsible for financial, ordnance and other operational functions has further diminished the NCMRC's ability to function as an organized armed group.
EastMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio praised the participating troops, saying the operation was supported by timely information from local communities and coordination with government partners.
Orio said the command will continue to coordinate with local governments, law enforcement agencies and communities while conducting focused operations to prevent remaining armed elements from rebuilding their capabilities and to sustain peace and security in Eastern Mindanao.