Another NPA leader yields in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 21, 2019): Another NPA leader yields in Bukidnon

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon — A young leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered Sunday to the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8IB) Charlie Company Commander, 1Lt. Noel Manalang Jr., at Brgy. St. Peter, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Lt. Col. Ronald M. Illana, 8IB Commanding Officer, said the 23-year old, alias "Jibber", was identified as Jurnaven Saligoy Napungahan.

Also known as “Jibber” is an active team leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Sub-Regional Command 2 of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC2-NCMRC), who came from Brgy. Binicalan, San Luis, Agusan Del Sur.

In the custodial conversation, Jibber narrated his worries and guilt with his sick parents needing him badly as nobody could take care of them.

“I regret disregarding the ‘surrender advice’ of aka Jamaica—CPP-NPA’s Barrio Medical Group of Platoon PBY, SRC2 NCMRC—who surrendered early this January 2019. But I am still lucky because I heard over radio station here in Bukidnon that the government offers E-CLIP benefits to those who want to surrender. That E-CLIP attracted me to surrender because I really need some amount for my sick parents,” Jibber said.

He said his greatest disappointments happen during times of hunger and exhaustion in the mountains.

“We kept running for our lives during encounters with the military. I sinned when I decided to be with the CPP-NPA because they failed to fulfill the promise to have abundant life in this movement. Now I realized that the high-ranked leaders are only good in words. The truth is, they [CPP-NPA leaders] can’t provide even the basic needs of its members,” Jibber added.

Lt. Col. Illana, meanwhile, said, “Ka Jibber” was only a victim of the terrorists’ ideology.

“We welcome and accept him so he could live normal lives. The Philippine Army, in coordination with the local government and other line agencies, will process all the benefits due them, including help to his family,” Illana said.

With this, the Philippine Army is again urging remaining members of the rebels, especially SRC1 and SRC2 of NCMRC, to yield and embrace the law.

“Your dependable battalion is willing to accept and help you back to normal lives for your family and our society,” Illana added. (1Lt KTCabbigat, CMO, 8IB, PA/RLRB, PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1018794