BRIGADIER General Elmer B. Suderio and the 102nd Infantry Brigade were recently honored at the 6th anniversary of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), held at Camp Aguinaldo on December 6, 2024. This recognition was given particularly for the brigade’s success in dismantling the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
I met then-Lieutenant Colonel Suderio when he was Commander of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion in Basilan, and had since become a good personal and family friend. I remember one particularly unforgettable night on the eve of Lamitan City’s fiesta, when I, as a journalist, joined the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Suderio, on a mission to retake a key rebel position—one of the hills that the Abu Sayyaf Group had held for over two decades. It was pitch black as we navigated the roads and mountains, moving quietly in the middle of the night. The military convoy would occasionally stop for reasons unknown to a civilian like me. Tension was palpable and every sound seemed amplified by the darkness. I was right there, witnessing the bravery and discipline of the troops as they moved cautiously, guided by Lieutenant Colonel Suderio. Despite his call sign “Angry Bird,” he exuded quiet confidence and a composed demeanor. It was clear why he was trusted and respected by his men.
Fast forward to 2017 Marawi Siege, during the intense days of the Marawi Siege, then-Colonel Suderio was one of the key individuals who shouldered the immense responsibility of leading the military’s efforts in reclaiming the city. As chief operations officer, he directed critical movements and coordinated actions that would ultimately free Marawi from the Maute group. I vividly recall one night in the midst of the siege when Colonel Suderio calmly directed ground and air officers as they prepared for a helicopter strike. Enemy forces had been spotted maneuvering boats along the river. His orders ensured that the strike hit the mark.
In his current role as Commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade in Region IX, Brigadier General Suderio has shown remarkable leadership in implementing the Whole-of-Nation approach under Executive Order No. 70. This strategy, which brings together military forces, local government units, and civil society, has proven highly effective in addressing the insurgency in Western Mindanao. The dismantling of the CPP-NPA’s regional operations in the area is a testament to the success of this collaborative approach.
In recent years, this Metrobank Outstanding Filipino awardee has continued to be instrumental in advancing peace and security in Mindanao. The recognition his brigade received at the NTF-ELCAC event proves his commitment to these goals, and his work continues to inspire both his peers and the communities he serves.
