Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: DWDD: NPA PARALYZED | 20 CNT Supporters Mass Surrenders during Peace Caravan

Monday, August 6, 2018

DWDD: NPA PARALYZED | 20 CNT Supporters Mass Surrenders during Peace Caravan

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service radio Website (Aug 6): NPA PARALYZED | 20 CNT Supporters Mass Surrenders during Peace Caravan

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela –20 members of the Communist-New People’s Army –Terrorist (CNT) supporters surrendered to the Team of Community Support Program (CSP) of the 54th Infantry Battalion during the Peace Caravan in Sitio Nagkatengey, BrgyNamal, Asipulo, Ifugao on August 4, 2018.

According to Lt Col Narciso B NabulnegJr, Commander, 54IB, the 20 were composed of 16 full time “Militia ng Bayan” (MB) and six CNT contacts in their village. The group also surrendered an M16 Rifle.

“These 20 personalities were long-time supporters of the enemy that played a vital role in the survival of the CNT group, and by having them in our side, we can now paralyze the enemy activities in their traditional abode. We will soon reach the desired peace and development in this part of the country.” LTC NabulnegJr, said.

Meanwhile, Maj Gen Perfecto M RimandoJr, Commander, 5th Infantry Division, commended the CSP teams under 54IB for their sincerity to help the community and by assisting the CNT supporters into the right path. “Truly, if we put premium on the rights and welfare of our Kababayans in our activities, our jobs become easy. These, former CNT supporters have seen the sincerity of our soldiers that is why they surrendered. If we continue to become professional in our dealing with the locals, we will achieve the desired peace the soonest possible time” MGenRimandoJr, said.

Each MB will be entitled to receive an Immediate Assistance, Reintegration Assistance and Remuneration for the Firearm surrendered under the Enhanced

Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).“We will assists and support those who wish to surrender, and to those who still wish to fight the government, we will use all our resources to bring them into justice,” MGenRimandoJr, added.

The MBs and CNT supporters also held their oath of allegiance to the government and denounce their former groups in front of their families, friends and local elected officials during the short program.

In line with the 5ID programof reaching the people in the countryside, 54IB launched the Peace Caravan supported by the Local Government Unit of Asipulo, Seventh Day Adventist Hospital Inc., Philippine Red Cross, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources – Ifugao, Bureau of Fire Protection,Ifugao Police Provincial Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office – Ifugao and Department of Public Works and Highways. The group conducted medical and dental outreach program, information drive, distribution of school supplies and gift giving (school supplies) to the students in the area.

In another activity, a peace rally was conducted in BrgyAguid, Sagada, Mt Province on the same day facilitated by the Charlie Coy of the 54IB. The local folks held their activities in support to the program of the government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their locality.

The said peace rally was attended by the local residents, tribal elders, youths, local officials, police and soldiers from the 54th Infantry Battalion. The attendees were holding placards declaring that the people of Sagada are peace loving people.

An oath of allegiance to the republic was also done by the two CNT supporters in front of their tribal leaders and elders.

Prior to the peace rally, the 54IB with the assistance of the 1st AFP (Talon) General Hospital, conducted free medical and dental consultation to the locals, distribution of school supplies, free haircut and poster making contest to the youth. 5DPAO / MCAG