BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – In time with the 52nd anniversary of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) on Monday, March 29, 2021, three (3) of the group’s regular members surrendered to Maj. Gen. Greg T. Almerol, the commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command during his visit to the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade in Bancasi, Butuan City on Monday, March 29.
The three (3) CNT members were identified as alias Brake/Dante, 20 years old, Team Leader of Squad Uno, SDG CAOCAO, and alias Nike/Max, 17 years old, a member of Squad Uno, SDG CAOCAO, and both residents of Barangay Ibuan, Las Nieves together with alias Andy/Many 26 years old, a member Squad Uno, SRSDG SAGAY, GF4A, NCMRC and a resident of Barangay Lawan-lawan, all of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.
Alias Nike/Max turned over one (1) M16 rifle with attached one (1) M203 grenade launcher while alias Andy turned over one (1) revolver to 23IB.
During the ceremony Maj. Gen Andres Centeno, Commander, 4th Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Maurito L Licudine, 402 Commander and Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C Paulo, the Commanding Officer of 23rd Infantry Battalion and other high ranking army officers witnessed the ceremony.
In his testimony, alias Nike/Max said he was convinced to join the CNT due to promises made to him and his family.
"Na dani man gyud ko sa ilang maayong istorya nga ila kong tabangan ug ang akong pamilya ug isip isa ka lumulupyo nga nagkalisod sa panginabuhi, nag huna-huna sab ko nga makatabang sa akong pamilya. Mao nga nikuyog ko sa ilaha." Alias Mike said.
He emphasized that for more than two years, he and his family gained nothing from the CNT movement.
He added that, "Nag too pud ko nga matabangan ko nila ug sa kadugay nakita namo nga sayop ang baruganan ug prinsipyo nga akong gi-ubanan. Lisod kaayo ang kahimutang sa mga armadong NPA, wala nay makaon ug sige mi ug dagan tungod sa wala nay katawhan nga mo suporta namo ug sa kanunay nga operasyon sa mga sundalo. Mao nga naka huna huna ko ug surrender aron makabalik ko sa akong pamilya."
It can be recalled that nineteen (19) Militia ng Bayan members voluntarily surrendered and two hundred eighty-four underground mass supporters withdrew their support to the CNTs, and took an oath of allegiance to the government last March 26, 2021, at Barangay Ibuan, Las Nieves.
Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo welcomed the three (3) former rebels and recognized their courage to abandon the terrorist movement and choose the right path for their lives.
"Life is a precious gift from God to us. It is put upon us how we make use of it. Life is too short so you spend it wisely. If you want to serve the people, serve it legally,” Paulo said.
He also urged the remnant members of the CNTs not to waste their lives following the wrong ideology of the CPP-NPA.
"Your army, especially the 23IB, and the local government units are always ready to help you if you embrace the government. You have enough time to lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law and be with your families," Paulo said.
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