AN ALLEGED TEAM leader of New People’s Army (NPA) was captured by elements of 39th Infantry Battalion after clashes at the boundary of Sitio Mahayag, Old Bulatukan, Makilala and Sitio Mabanog, Darapuay, Bansalan Davao del Sur on Friday, Nov. 3 around 2:15 p.m.
Meanwhile, four rebels surrendered to the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the4th Infantry Division in Malaybalay City Bukidnon on Nov. 1 and 2, the military’s belated report said.
Lt. Col. Harold Argamosa, 39th Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday identified the captured rebel as Rosendo Anggit, team leader of Sentro De Grabidad, Guerilla Front 51, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRMC), resident of Zone 2, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
Argamosa said Anggit was part of the 20 NPAs who clashed with troops upon the conduct of combat operation in the said area. He was wounded in the encounter and brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
Soldiers also recovered two high-powered firearms (M4 and M16), two improvised explosive devices, seven backpacks and documents.
The troops were able also to overrun the NPA camp that can accommodate more or less 70-80 fighters.
Argamosa said the encounter was precipitated by reports about extortion. He said residents were asked to pay P3 per rubber tree and rice allocation. ” They were also told to carry the provisions of the NPAs while moving from each encampment,” he added.
“We also received reports that the armed group is planning to conduct ambush to government troops and harassment of detachments,” he said.
Col. Roberto Ancan, the commander of 1002nd Infantry Brigade, further stressed, “the army will continue to maximized its military assets to preserve peace and protect the civilian from any harm which had been abused for so long by NPA in his area of responsibilities.”
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, the 10th Infantry Division commander, expressed that they are grateful to the residents of Makilala who reported the presence of NPAs in their area.
“Sad to say, that some people joined the NPA and took arms against the government due to some promises of insurgent leaders,” Clement said.” For now, it is high time to convince our brothers- NPA to go back to the fold of the law and think of their families and the future of their children.”
4 surrender to army
Capt. Norman Tagros, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 403rd Infantry Brigade, told TIMES that one rebel who surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion brought along a Garand rifle with live bullets around 6 am on Nov. 1.
The other three surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion around 6 p.m the following day bringing along M16, Garand, and M1 Cal. 30 Carbine rifles with live ammunition.
Tagros said the returnees told them that living in the mountains had become almost impossible. They also claimed the NPA failed in its promise to support their families.
Brig. Gen. Eric C. Vinoya, the 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the battalions for facilitating the surrender of the four NPA members.
Vinoya also called upon the remaining NPAs to go down and surrender. “Once again, I call upon the other NPA members to go down now and surrender. I know that you are tired and that you miss your family and your loved ones,” he added.
The brigade commander also said those who will surrender will be enrolled in the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) where they will get the benefits of livelihood and cash assistance, housing, and employment.
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