Whole-of-nation approach melts NPA fronts in DavNor, DavOro

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 24, 2020): Whole-of-nation approach melts NPA fronts in DavNor, DavOro (By Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

MACO, DAVAO DE ORO, (PIA) - The whole of nation approach to end local communist armed conflict has melted the entire Guerilla Front 33 operating in the provinces of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

1001st Infantry “Pag-asa” Brigade commander, Col Luis Rex Bergante cited the efficiency of WNA in winning over and bringing back to the government, guerilla front commanders, members of mass organizations and supporters.

Addressing the rites to present the former rebels now referred as “Balik-Loob” individuals, Bergante cited the community support program and the military ground operation leading to the meltdown of Guerilla Front 33 as strategies through which the WNA has materialized.

“This is a clear manifestation that together as a whole of nation we can end the over five decades of communist insurgency in the country,” he said.

“It is a proof that the army cannot destroy the enemy on its own and that if we converge as a nation we can make a front secretary, a front commander, its elements, its underground mass organization, and its mass bases and supporter yield to the government,” added.

He said that on December 12, 25th Infantry Battalion troopers encountered the Guerrilla Front 33 elements twice resulting in the recovery of 7 high powered firearms, surrender of alias Brando and alias Mawi, and the death of one amazon member of the New Peoples Army (NPA).

Another two regular members of the NPA of the same front surrendered on the same day bringing along with them three high powered firearms.

This surrender further drew more yields of other regular members of high positions in the GF 33: the Front Secretary identified as Khan and another alias Denden and one member identified as “Malou” bringing along with them one M16 rifle.

Enticed by their commanders, 11 members surrendered bringing along with them three high powered firearms.

This joint operation of the 25th Infantry Battalion (based in Davao de Oro) and the 60th Infantry Battalion (based in Davao del Norte), has brought back to the folds of the law a total of 26 regular NPA members and has led to recovery of 15 firearms from Guerilla Front 33.

“The campaign is not yet over. Other guerilla fronts need to be dismantled,” Bergante said. “Today’s accomplishment report, however, has doubled our confidence that it can be done. We just need to keep using this formula to which you--- military and non-military, government and non-government—are part of ,” he said.

The presentation rites and meet-up of “Balik-loob” individuals done at the headquarters of 100st Infantry Brigade in Maco, Davao de Oro, has drawn the presence of Regional Peace and Order Chairperson, Provincial Governor Nelson Dayanghirang of Davao Oriental; Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez; Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib; Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyrone Uy; Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) commander Major General Jose Faustino Jr., 10th Infantry Division Commander; Major General Ruben Basiao together commanders of 60th Infantry Battalion, Lt Col Sarmiento and 25th Inf Battalion commander Lt Col Asnawi Muti. (PIA Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1062141