Four local terrorists and 21 supporters of the Communist NPA Terrorist Group surrendered to the 103rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sabala Bantayao, Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur on August 2.
Said returnees yielded one rocket-propelled grenade, one M1 Carbine rifle, one 1911A1 cal.45 pistol, two cal.38 revolvers, and ammunition.
The local government of Lumba Bayabao, headed by Mayor Mahar Dagalangit, and the police facilitated the said surrender.
Said returnees also pledged their allegiance to the Constitution.
On July 28, the 103rd Bde troops engaged communist terrorists who attempted to establish a foothold in the town of Lumba Bayabao and to elude military operations in Bukidnon.
“The relentless offensive of the troops compelled the enemy forces to flee, prompting their supporters to surrender. The latter revealed that they supported the communist terrorists out of fear that they will be hurt or killed,” said Brawner.
Among the CNT supporters is a minor who surrendered to Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, 49th Infantry Battalion Commander.
The local government of Lumba Bayabao also declared the CTG as persona non grata. The declaration made their municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur the first to assert such act.
“We will assist the returnees to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Likewise, there will be a separate integration program for local terrorists in Lanao,” said Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr., 103rd Bde Commander
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Western Mindanao Command, said, “This is a commendable feat ascribed to the concerted efforts of our Tabak troops and the people of Lanao.”
“The successive capitulations prove that, with unity of efforts, much can be achieved. We commit to sustain the same efforts in our bid to end local communist armed conflicts through a dynamic approach.”
Meanwhile, the military assisted the settlement of dispute among the Bantak, Dimaporo, and Linga families.
As a token of their commitment, the families yielded an improvised cal.50 rifle (Improvised Barrett).
“The military further supports the settlement of feuds between warring families in order to end armed struggles that breed violence in the operational area,” added Sobejana.
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