6 more rebels yield in CamSu

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18,2021): 6 more rebels yield in CamSur (By Connie Calipay)  

Six more regular members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) have joined the growing number of rebel surrenderers in Bicol.

Capt.John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, in an interview on Thursday said at least three .45 caliber semi-automatic pistols, an M653 assault rifle and a caliber .38 revolver were also turned over by the surrenderers to the 83rd Infantry Battalion (83IB) based in Mabalod-balod, Tigaon, Camarines Sur on Wednesday.

Belleza, quoting one of the former rebels, said “Matagal ko ng gustong mag-surrender kaso tinatakot nila kami na i-sasalvage daw kami ng mga sundalo kapag mag-surrender kami. Ako ang buhay na patotoo na kabaliktaran iyon sa mga sinasabi ng kasama," (I have long wanted to surrender but they tell us that Army troops will salvage us if we surrender. I am a living proof that it was all lies).

He also said the new batch of former rebels (FRs) will immediately undergo the reintegration to the mainstream society and will be listed in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“Under the E-CLIP, they will receive firearm remuneration, cash, livelihood, medical, educational, and housing assistance,” Belleza added.

Lt. Col. Clark Dalumbar, commander of 83IB, thanked the surrenderers for heeding the call of the government to abandon the CTG.

He said their decision honors their families and the country as well.

Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr., commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB), attributed this development to the effective implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 (EO70) where the military and all other government agencies are enjoined to work in unison to bring the basic goods and services to the people.

Also contributing to this accomplishment is the growing support of the Bicolanos who have been clamoring for genuine peace, he said.

“CTG members and supporters yielding to the government is now the trend and we expect the number of surrenderers to rise in the coming days. With the government’s numerous programs for the people, communist insurgency is already negated in the communities. Moreover, our intensified efforts to encourage our lost brothers who got deceived by the false ideology of this terrorist group to return to the folds of the law is gaining momentum,” Robinson said.

Since last January, 20 CTG members have surrendered in Sorsogon, bringing with them 20 high-powered firearms.

On Feb. 1, the Army's successful military operation resulted in the killing of four rebels, arrest of another rebel and recovery of 10 high-powered firearms in Garchitorena, Camarines Sur.

"This string of accomplishments against the CTG clearly manifests their waning capability both in manpower and firepower that will soon lead to their defeat and total extinction," Robinson said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131064