CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Nov. 11 -- A total of 104 New Peoples Army (NPA) regulars and supporters surrendered to the government's fold on October 25, 2019 in Purok-7, Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista, this province.
1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, Civil-Military Operations officer of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), said the surrenderers are composed of nine regular NPA members, nine Militia ng Bayan (MB) and 86 Underground Movement Organization (UGMO) members.
The surrenderees denounced their support and the took their pledge of loyalty and allegiance to the government to disown Union ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN), end their support to the communist terrorist group, and not to succumb to any group who will organize and take advantage of them.
To show their full support to the government, they burned the NPA Flag, which also signified that they will no longer be deceived by the terrorist group.
1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, Civil-Military Operations officer of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), said the surrenderers are composed of nine regular NPA members, nine Militia ng Bayan (MB) and 86 Underground Movement Organization (UGMO) members.
The surrenderees denounced their support and the took their pledge of loyalty and allegiance to the government to disown Union ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN), end their support to the communist terrorist group, and not to succumb to any group who will organize and take advantage of them.
To show their full support to the government, they burned the NPA Flag, which also signified that they will no longer be deceived by the terrorist group.
Felix Balansag, municipal assessor of the municipality of Buenavista expressed his gratitude to the brave members of the NPAs, MBs and UGMOs, who voluntarily surrendered to the government. "We recognized your sincerity in going back to the folds of the law, and we hope that this will be the start of a new life for you and your family, living peacefully in your respective community," he said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Francisco Molina Jr., commanding officer of 23IB, acknowledged the effort of the barangay officials led by Jerry Escobella, and the locals for taking part in the successful surrender of the former rebels.
"I am very grateful to the Punong Barangay who was very courageous to make the mass surrender here in his village, possible and successful. We also thank the locals for being vigilant and for your cooperation. Let us continue our partnership to finally end local communist armed conflict in our area and create a peaceful environment. We will never get tired of pursuing the enemies," Molina said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Francisco Molina Jr., commanding officer of 23IB, acknowledged the effort of the barangay officials led by Jerry Escobella, and the locals for taking part in the successful surrender of the former rebels.
"I am very grateful to the Punong Barangay who was very courageous to make the mass surrender here in his village, possible and successful. We also thank the locals for being vigilant and for your cooperation. Let us continue our partnership to finally end local communist armed conflict in our area and create a peaceful environment. We will never get tired of pursuing the enemies," Molina said.
Lt. Col. Molina further called on other remaining members of the terrorist groups to surrender and be a catalyst of change towards inclusive peace and development. "Now is the right time to go back to the folds of the law. Don’t waste your life being victimized by their false ideologies. Stand for what is right and open your eyes for the truth, and contribute in maintaining peace in our area," he said.
The implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict under the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte has continuously contributed to the influx of NPA surrenderers in Caraga region. (NCLM/RT Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB/ Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)
The implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict under the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte has continuously contributed to the influx of NPA surrenderers in Caraga region. (NCLM/RT Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB/ Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Source: 23rd Infantry Battation, Philippine Army)
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