Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: WESTMINCOM: Communist terrorist group team leader yields, hands over firearms to military in South Cotabato Camp Navarro

Sunday, September 10, 2023

WESTMINCOM: Communist terrorist group team leader yields, hands over firearms to military in South Cotabato Camp Navarro

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 9, 2023): Communist terrorist group team leader yields, hands over firearms to military in South Cotabato Camp Navarro

Communist terrorist group team leader yields, hands over firearms to military in South Cotabato
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – September 10, 2023

Tired and weary, a communist terrorist group (CTG) team leader surrendered to the troops of the 5th Special Forces Battalion at Sitio Traankini, Lamlahak, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, on September 5, 2023.

The former rebel, identified as alias Mateo, team leader of Team A, Squad Uno, FOC, WGF, Far South Mindanao Region, handed over an M16A1 rifle and a Cal .38 revolver to the military troops who facilitated his surrender.

Based on the report, the CTG remnant decided to return to the fold of the law due to uncertainty and exhaustion. He is hopeful that after his surrender, he will be able to live a normal life with his family and be a productive member of society.

"We welcome all those who wish to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. Rest assured that we will assist them in their reintegration into mainstream society," Western Mindanao Command Chief, Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo said.

"Nevertheless, our troops remain relentless in conducting decisive military operations to press on those who refuse to end their armed struggle peacefully. We will hunt them down and thwart their terror ploys," the WestMinCom Commander added.