Kalinaw News: NPA members surrender, reveal 10 high-powered firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 19, 2021): NPA members surrender, reveal 10 high-powered firearms

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – Two rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered with their firearms and exposed arms cache to the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB) at Brgy Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, August 16, 2021.

The surrenderers were members of Platoon Ryan, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC 1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC). They were identified as alias Ong, Vice Squad Leader, and alias Talin, a regular member of the said platoon. The two voluntarily surrendered to 58IB in the hopes of having their lives turned around and being reunited with their families.

The troops were able to retrieve buried firearms cache at the hinterlands of Brgy San Luis, based on the revelations of Ong and Talin during custodial debriefing, as confirmed by former members of Platoon Ryan, namely alias Aba, Vice Squad Leader who recently surrendered and CAA Lucio Lindaan Artao or alias Dino, former Company Commander of the said platoon of SRC1, NCMRC. Eight AK47 rifles, one M653 rifle, and one M16 rifle were among the items seized. In total, ten high-powered firearms were recovered.

“The constant reduction of NPA forces is an indication of the effectiveness of the many peace initiatives and efforts by the government and the troops in ending insurgency,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB. Their numbers are dwindling, and they are under pressure because of the loss of their forces and huge bases. Furthermore, their surrender shows that they have had enough of the NPA’s false ideology. This also implies that they have switched their faith and support from the CTG to the government.”

“We warmly welcome our brothers who were once on the wrong track but are now ready to face life in peace and in the right direction. The Army guarantees you that we are working closely with national authorities to build a new, peaceful future for you and for the rest of us. Indeed, nothing is impossible with the Whole of Nation Approach, which reflects the oneness of all stakeholders. Let us continue to fight together to put an end to the CPP-NPA-NDF’s 53-year reign of terror.” LtCol Canatoy concluded.

They will be debriefed and will be provided with government aid through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (ECLIP), which will assist them in reuniting with their families.

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