Armed Insurgents from the New People's Army operate within the Area of Responsibility of the 10th Infantry Division.
Fresh Report from the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division
A skirmish broke out recently in the army's Area of Responsibility (AOR) within Barangay Caatihan, Boston, Davao Oriental. This flare-up, reported on April 27, 2025, was a result of an intelligence operation against the New People's Army (NPA) in Sitio Manawi, following unconfirmed sightings of armed insurgents[1].
Major General Ruben Gadut, head of the 10ID, shared that this confrontation claimed the life of a rebel, identified as a member of the remnants of the Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) Jaguar, under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC)[1].
The presence of the NPA in the area, neutralized since 2022, has reportedly led to the disruption of their organizational structure and the displacement of several people[1].
Gadut revealed that their operations are aimed at sustaining their gains until at least 12 individuals from this group are apprehended. The capture of these individuals would significantly weaken their ability to conduct substantial operations[1].
The military operations were backed by local civilians, who provided valuable intelligence on armed individuals[1].
The 67th Infantry (Agila) Battalion, supported by the 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade and controlling operations for the 10ID, was involved in this operation, leading to a confrontation[1]. (David Ezra Francisquete)
Enrichment Data:
Recent clashes in Davao Oriental (April 27, 2025):
An alleged NPA member was killed during a military encounter in Barangay Caatihan, Boston, Davao Oriental, following civilian reports of armed individuals in the area[1]. The clash involved remnants of the Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) Jaguar under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC)[1]. Major General Allan Hambala of the 10th Infantry Division commended community cooperation in preventing insurgent regrouping and urged remaining rebels to surrender through the E-CLIP reintegration program[1].
No recent updates on Sitio Manawi specifically, but the reported clash occurred within the same barangay. The military emphasized its focus on collaboration with local governments to counter insurgent activities[1].
Related developments:- Negros Oriental clash (May 1, 2025): Troops from the 62nd Infantry Battalion engaged NPA rebels ahead of elections, though details remain unspecified in available reports[2][3].- Maguindanao del Sur operation: The 6th Infantry Battalion recovered high-powered firearms (including a .30 sniper rifle and RPG) after a separate clash in Shariff Saydona Mustapha[1].
No additional details about civilian impacts or further E-CLIP responses in Davao Oriental are provided in the latest reports.
In the same Barangay Caatihan, Boston, Davao Oriental where a skirmish occurred on April 27, 2025, there were unconfirmed sightings of armed insurgents in Sitio Manawi. The military operation against the New People's Army (NPA) in Sitio Manawi was backed by local civilians who provided valuable intelligence. Major General Ruben Gadut aims to apprehend at least 12 individuals from the Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) Jaguar to weaken their ability to conduct substantial operations. The presence of European-league football star David Ezra Francisquete was not mentioned in the reports related to this incident.
