PLACER, Surigao del Norte– Tired and weary NPA couple together with another full time member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily gave up themselves and surrendered to the 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion stationed at Barangay Mahayahay, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, Friday morning, August 14.
The NPA regulars are members of Guerilla Front 21 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. They are identified as @Milan, 28 years old and his wife @Cris, 26 years old, and residents of Brgy Anticala, Butuan City and @JR, 28 years old, and a resident of Brgy Padiay, Sibagat, Agusan del Norte. Their true names are being withheld for security reason.
Based on the initial interview, the former rebels explained that the continuous hardships, hunger, and false promises of their leaders have prompted them to surrender. According to @Milan, father of four, he said that as parents, they can no longer bear being away from their children most of the time as well as the uncertainties of the future for their family.
“Ang unang nagtukmod saako nga mobalik sa sabakan sa balaod, mao ang akong pamilya tungod kay gusto nako sila tibook nga makauban ug wala akoy maayong kaugmaon nga mahatag sa akong pamilya kung naa ko sa kalihukan. Ang gisulti ug tomotomo sa NPA sa gobyerno puro bakak ug walay kamatuuran ug gigamit ra nila ang akong pagkaway hanaw ug kalisod aron musampa mi sa kalihukan”, he said.
As they return to the folds of the law, the former rebels also yielded one caliber 5.56mm bushmaster rifle with one plastic and four short magazine assemblies loaded with 85 rounds of live ammunition, one AK47 rifle with four magazine assemblies loaded with 68 rounds of live ammunition and one anti-personnel improvised explosive device (IED).
In the statement of Lt. Col. Isagani O Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB, he lauded the decision of the surrenderees citing that they were able to realize their role as parents and grabbed the opportunity to change for the betterment of their respective families.
“Perhaps, it is easy for us to condemn and judge their regrettable decision of joining the armed struggle but just like the other recruits they were also victims of communist lies and deception. It is not too late for them to make up and be better parents to their children”, Lt. Col. Criste said.
Meanwhile, Col. George L Banzon, Commander of 901st Infantry Brigade, warmly welcomed the surrender. In his statement, he said that to “surrender” is the best option for those who succumbed to the propaganda and lies of communist terrorist group.
“To put an end to the hardships brought about by a futile struggle, they must heed to the call of the government and abandon the armed struggle. The real score says that the ordinary CTG members are suffering in the mountains while their leaders live in luxury. They have been robbed of their rights to live peaceful lives which is a clear manifestation of exploitation within their ranks”, he said.
In addition, the Brigade Commander said that the government never closes its door for those who want to surrender. He stressed that the government provides assistance through the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
“Everyone deserves a second chance specifically for those former rebels who opted to take the path of peace”, he added.
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-couple-and-another-full-time-npa-member-surrender-in-agusan-del-norte/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.