Myrna Sularte, also known as Maria Malaya, a high-ranking leader of the Communist Terrorist Groups’ (CTGs’) Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was killed in an encounter with government troops under the 901st Infantry Brigade. The clash took place in the hinterlands of Barangay Pianing, Butuan City, at around 1:20 PM on February 12, 2025. Sularte was the wife of rebel leader Jorge Madlos, also known as Ka Oris, who was also killed in a military operation in Bukidnon in 2021.
The incident followed a series of encounters that began earlier in the morning, at 6:10 AM and 6:30 AM, during which troops captured several items and equipment owned by Malaya’s group. In the afternoon, as the CTGs fired upon the soldiers, the troops quickly retaliated, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. This resulted in Malaya’s death and the capture of their additional belongings.
Myrna Sularte was the widow of the late Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, a prominent figure in the New People’s Army (NPA) National Operations Command (NOC), who was killed in October 2021 in an encounter against government forces in Bukidnon.
Sularte operated in the Caraga Region and Northern Mindanao, where she was responsible for numerous atrocities, including the killing of civilians, destruction of government projects, and other terroristic activities across Surigao and Agusan provinces. A native of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, she was one of the most wanted NPA leaders in the country facing 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”, said by Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, Commander, 901st Brigade.
text, photos by 901st Infantry “Fight ‘Em” Brigade, Philippine Army
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