DAVAO CITY — Government troops have made a significant advance in their campaign against communist insurgents after an all-female Army unit uncovered a suspected rebel hideout in Bukidnon.
Members of the Philippine Army’s Special Forces Team 16, also known as “Maya,” recovered several high-powered firearms from a former New People’s Army (NPA) encampment in Sitio Bendum, Barangay Busdi, Malaybalay City. Among the items seized were rifles of various calibers and weapon components believed to have been used by insurgents operating in the area.
Military officials described the operation as a key development in ongoing efforts to dismantle remaining rebel strongholds along the Bukidnon–Agusan del Sur boundary, particularly within the rugged Pantaron mountain range.
The unit, composed entirely of female soldiers and led by Capt. Cristy Timtim alongside junior officers and enlisted personnel, successfully penetrated the remote site despite difficult terrain and security risks.
According to Lt. Col. Emil Bautista, commanding officer of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, the mission highlights the growing role of women in frontline combat operations. He emphasized that the team demonstrated discipline, resilience, and operational capability in a high-risk environment.
Military commanders also noted that the area serves as a strategic base for the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, making the operation a crucial step in weakening the group’s presence.
Officials added that the deployment of the all-women unit reflects the Armed Forces’ continuing push for gender equality while enhancing overall mission effectiveness.
ia/xf
