Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 26, 2023): Another three (3) regular NPA members surrender in Agusan del Norte
23rd Infantry "Masigasig" Battalion, Philippine Army·
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Another three (3) regular NPA members of the Platoon Sagay, Sub-Regional Sentro de Gravidad 3, Sub-Regional Command 3, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRSDG3, SRC3,NCMRC) voluntarily surrendered to the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion, under the Operational Control of 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade.
The said surrender of the three (3) regular members took place on May 23, 2023 at the unit's Headquarters at Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.
This came about following the surrender of Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) Commander “Dahon”, a high-profile New People’s Army (NPA) personality, with nine (9) others last May 12, 2023.
The surrendered former rebels were identified as Nelson T Odayao @LAKAS, 27 years old, the Team Leader; Lea D Corilla @ROXAN, 21 years old, and Ruel G Montillano @PREX, 33 years old, both members of Pltn 1, SRSDG SAGAY, SRC 3, NCMRC which is led by Arnel Bahian @ANDRO.
They also surrendered two (2) M16 Rifles and one (1) Shotgun to the 23IB. The surrendered firearms and other items will be turned over to the authorities for proper disposition.
The surrender of the said three personalities, all members of the Higaonon Tribe, is seen as an effect of the peaceful resolution of conflict conducted recently, known as the “Tampuda” in Higaonon Tribe, between the family of Commander Dahon and the Mansulohay-Pinakitob Clan in Interim Barangay Bokbokon, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte last May 12, 2023.
In addition, Nelson Odayao, one of those who surrendered, revealed that their NPA unit is now heavily weakened by the relentless combat operations conducted by the military which resulted to exhaustion, sleepless nights, unbearable hunger, and massive demoralization among their ranks. He further explained that they have come to realize and fully understood the futility of the armed struggle. Hence, they opted to surrender and take the opportunity to live a normal life with their families.
Moreover, said former rebels stated that they could no longer bear another week of walking without food especially at this point where they are all confused with the present leadership struggle within the group, leaving them too exhausted and hungry to continue further.
Also, they are already tired of running and hiding away from the government forces and that they have no more place to hide since the people in their former mass bases are already going against them by tipping off their presence or location to the authorities.
In his statement, Brigadier General Adonis Ariel G Orio, Commander, 402nd (Stingers) Brigade, said that the units under his Operational Control are serious in the performance of its duty of upholding peace and order in its Area of Operation.
“I urge those who were deceived by the NPA to come down and surrender. The government is ready to help you live a new and normal life with your family. Let us not engage in more bloodsheds," BGen Orio added.
The surrender of the rebels was a product of the government’s campaign to convince communist insurgents to give up armed conflict and return to mainstream society.
https://www.facebook.com/TeamMasigasig23/photos/pcb.2172365102955531/2172364066288968/
https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/
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