CNT supply officers surrender to Godod MTF-ELCAC in Zambo Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 9, 2021): CNT supply officers surrender to Godod MTF-ELCAC in Zambo Norte (By 102nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

GODOD, Zamboanga del Norte, March 9 (PIA) - Two Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) surrendered to the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) in Godod, Zamboangadel Norte, Monday afternoon, March 8, 2021.

The former CNT members voluntarily surrendered to Hon. Abel Matildo, Municipal Mayor/MTF-ELCAC Chairman and were later on turned-over to the 44th Infantry Battalion.

"The surrenderers were identified as alias RJ, supply officer of the defunct Guerilla Front Feliciano "A" and alias Jelo, supply officer of the defunct HQ-KALAW, both of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC)," said Lt. Col. Filven Noche, Commanding Officer, 44IB.

"RJ's brother, alias Bobby, who also surrendered to the unit last September 2020 assisted in the negotiation for the safe return of alias RJ to their family," Lt. Col. Noche added.

Based on the initial interview with the former rebels, they were motivated by the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and with the persuasion by local populace to return to the folds of law.

"We, in the MTF-ELCAC of Godod, are committed in supporting our security forces in the campaign to finally put an end to the decades-long insurgency problem in our locality," said Hon. Matildo.

For his part, Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade urged the remaining members of the WMRPC to lay down their arms.

"This is the right time for them to surrender as the government is preparing the grounds for their safe return to their communities with the creation of the National Amnesty Commission coupled with the E-CLIP benefits," said Brig. Gen. Nicolas.

It can be recalled that last February 22, 2021, two former CNTs, namely, alias Jobel of HQ-Kalaw and alias Zoren of GF-BBC, also surrendered to the 53rd Infantry Battalion and Dumingag MTF-ELCAC under the leadership of Hon. Joan Abejuela, Municipal Mayor.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division expressed his gratitude to Hon. Matildo and other Local Chief Executives who continue to take the lead and initiate measures to attain peace in Zamboanga Peninsula.

"As we sustain our military pressure while our government agencies and local government units address the issues at the grassroots, we will be able to accomplish our desired end goal to create a peaceful environment conducive for sustainable development in no time," said Maj. Gen. Ponio.

As of posting, the former rebels are being assisted for the enrollment and processing of their E-CLIP benefits. (RVC/EDT/PIA99-Zamboanga del Norte with reports from 102nd Infantry Brigade)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1069001