NPA leader surrenders in Sursur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 23, 2019): NPA leader surrenders in Sursur (By 36IB, Phil. Army)

TAGO, Surigao del Sur -- A leader of the New Peoples Army (NPA) Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) had voluntarily surrendered to the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36IB) on August 20, 2019, at the 36IB headquarters, Barangay Dayoan, Tago, this province.

The surrenderer was identified as alias Kent, 25 yrs old, married, a Manobo tribe and a resident of Sitio Bato. Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, this province.

The said NPA leader brought along with him one KG9 Carbine and magazine with serviceable ammunition.

Alias Kent was recruited by his relatives who is also a member of the CTGs. After a month in the movement, he became a full-time member and promoted to a higher position as vice commanding officer of a platoon.

After years of serving, he decided to go on lie low and became the Sangay ng Partido sa Localidad (SPL) and at the same time serving as the commanding officer of Milisya ng Bayan of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda-Interior, Sub-Regional Committee 2130.

Due to the intensive combat operation, the armed group was disbanded and Alias Kent lost his contact with the CTG. He decided to surrender because he learned that some of his comrades in the movement who were also from his community already surrendered and returned to the folds of the law.

Also, through the negotiation efforts of some rebel returnees, LGU San Miguel and intervention of the 36IB, he was convinced to lay down his arms.

In his statement, Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Commander, 36IB said that the surrender is a result of the relentless military combat operation in the 36IB area of operation and the pursuit of localized peace negotiation to the terrorist group.

“It was a bold move of the negotiating personalities especially the LGU who facilitated the surrender of Kent. The convergent efforts of the MLGU, former rebels, and the military proved to be effective in convincing the members of the CNTs to surrender. He has no choice but to lay down his arms and return to the folds of the law,” Trinidad said.

“To the remaining NPA CTG, again, surrender and lay down your arms and surrender. Help the government to achieve a long and lasting peace that every Surigaonons are longing for," he added.

Kent will be processed and validated to avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP of the government. (1Lt Jonald Romorosa, CMO-36IB/PIA Surigao del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026265