Kalinaw News: CNTs surrender with firearms to the government

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 29, 2021): CNTs surrender with firearms to the government



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Twenty-seven Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) laid down 23 firearms as they abandoned the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and pledged allegiance to the government during a press conference held in Bangag, Lal-lo, Cagayan on November 26, 2021.

Through the assistance of the 17th Infantry Battalion, 77th Infantry Battalion, Marine Battalion Landing Team-10, and the 501st Infantry Brigade, the said CNTs found their way back to the pillars of the government. They surrender 23 firearms composed of seven M16 A1 rifles, three US Carbine, two M653, one M14, one homemade cal. 30, one M11, five homemade shotguns, one cal. 30 M2 carbine rifle, one cal. 9mm pistol, one cal. 22 pistol, and 10 rounds ammunition of cal. 30.

The Former Rebels denounced the atrocities of the CTG as they burned the flags of the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front. They further pledged their support to the government in ending the local communist armed conflict.

In his testimony, alias Bimbo shared his unfortunate situation inside the terrorist group that made him decide to withdrew his support. “Mahirap ang buhay ng NPA, walang makain at wala kang maayos na tulugan. Higit sa lahat hindi ko pa nakakasama ang aking pamilya. Dun ko napatunayan na wala palang kabuluhan ang ipinaglalaban ng mga NPA. Ginagamit lang pala kami para sa mga pansariling interes ng mga nakakataas sa amin. Ngayon, gusto ko ng magbagong buhay at mamuhay ng malaya kasama ang aking pamilya.”

“In close coordination with the PNP, we will provide security for them. We will see to it that they will not be isolated. That’s why we bring them in halfway houses while they process their benefits” BGen Steve D Crespillo, Commander of 501st Infantry Brigade said when asked about the security and safety of the Former Rebels.

He then thanked the Former Rebels for abandoning the terrorist group. “Nagpapasalamat ako at naisipan niyong magbalik-loob sa ating pamahalaan. Matagal na itong CTG na kumakalaban sa ating gobyerno at wala namang nangyayaring maganda. Sama-sama tayong hikayatin ang mga natitira pang nasa loob ng teroristang grupo upang maging maayos din ang kanilang pamumuhay at upang magkaroon na ng kapayapaan at pag unlad dito sa probinsya ng Cagayan.”

Moreover, Cagayan Governor Manuel N Mamba assured the assistance of the Provincial Government to the Former Rebels to help them in their reintegration. He said that as of the moment, there are 38 former rebels employed in the Provincial Government.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed food packs to the Former Rebels.

MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army said that the terrorist group in the province of Cagayan is nearing its eventual downfall. “We can now foresee the future without insurgency. Every community will enjoy peace and progress. I congratulate the joint effort of the 17IB, 77IB, MBLT-10, 501IBde, PRO 2, LGUs, Government Agencies and every Cagayano for this successful mass surrender of CNTs. This is a very significant accomplishment in our campaign to end local communist armed conflict.”

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