Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: WESTMINCOM: 3 communist terrorists in Cotabato return to government’s fold

Friday, June 30, 2023

WESTMINCOM: 3 communist terrorists in Cotabato return to government’s fold

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 30, 2023): 3 communist terrorists in Cotabato return to government’s fold

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- June 30, 2023

Three communist terrorist group members laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

The surrendered personalities handed over their high-powered firearms to the 90th Infantry Battalion at the Bravo Company Headquarters in Barangay Lower Paatan, Kabacan, Cotabato. Turned-over firearms include one M14 rifle, one M16 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, one steel magazine, eight cal .30 live ammunition, and one M79 Grenade Launcher.

Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera identified the former rebels as alias Emman, alias Bobong, and alias Jun/Oscar. They are former members of Guerilla Front 53 (GF53), Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC3), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC). Maj. Gen. Rillera said that the surrender of the ex-militants was made possible through the efforts of the 90IB troopers, led by Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, and the intelligence units based in Cotabato.

The former rebels revealed that the hardships and hunger they experienced due to the relentless military operations were the primary reasons for their withdrawal of support to their group.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, said that the Joint Task Forces under his command continue to strengthen their focused and civil-military operations to address the threats posed by the remnants of the different terror groups in WestMinCom’s area of operation.
“We welcome all those who wish to end their armed struggle peacefully, and we are hopeful that their comrades will also follow their footsteps,” Lt. Gen. Galido stated.