A high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Caraga was killed in an armed encounter in the hinterlands of Sitio Imelda, Pianing, Butuan City on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

According to the 901st Infantry Brigade, the military troops engaged the rebels in a series of firefights, which resulted in the killing of Myrna Sularte alias Maria Malaya.

The military also confiscated items and equipment owned by her group.

The military said Sularte was the secretary of the NPA’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and a member of Political Bureau of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

She was the wife of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, a leader from the NPA’s National Operations Command (NOC) who was killed in a clash against government forces in Bukidnon in October 2021.

The military said Sularte’s operations covered Caraga and Northern Mindanao, where she was allegedly involved in several atrocities, including the killing of civilians and destruction of government projects.

The military added that Sularte was one of the most wanted NPA leaders in the country for multiple criminal charges, including rebellion, murder, multiple murder, and frustrated murder, among others.

“The death of Myrna Sularte signifies a measure of justice for the countless victims who have endured unimaginable sufferings due to her deceitful manipulations and ruthless actions. This development not only brings closure to those victims but also serves as a powerful reminder of our unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the innocent from the atrocities perpetrated by the CTGs,” 901st Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, said.