Kalinaw News: 3 NPAs surrender in Davao del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 6, 2022): 3 NPAs surrender in Davao del Norte



Asuncion, DDN – Another 3 members of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) operating in the boundaries of Davao de Oro-Agusan del Sur-Davao del Norte yielded two (2) high-powered firearms, assorted medical paraphernalia, and war materials to Philippine Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade (1001st Bde) through the 60th Infantry (Mediator) Battalion (60IB) on April 5, 2022 (Tuesday) at Sitio Bagtok, Brgy. Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

Lt. Col. Merrill Sumalinog, Acting Commanding Officer of 60IB facilitated the surrender of the three identified CNTs known as Alyas Bernon/Dose (Squad Leader), Alyas Gorio (Element), and Alyas Yanyan (Element), all of Guerrilla Front 3 (GF 3), Sub- Regional Committee 4 (SRC 4), Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC). They brought with them two (2) M16 Rifles. They are all listed in the Pedioric Status Report (PSR) -a watchlist of the members of the NPA maintained by Army units.

Upon interview with the Former Rebels (FRs), it was found out that hardships due to lack of supplies and support from the masses forced them to surrender. Further, the surrender of their leaders and comrades added pressure to their decisions.

“We have no other means to survive since we cannot facilitate our survival needs from our former masses anymore. Also, our leaders have already surrendered before us which is why we have nowhere to run and seek guidance. We decided to surrender to 60IB because we have heard of the humane treatment of the soldiers to our former comrades who already surrendered, they have been helping them with all of their needs including legal requirements and helped us to connect with our families and loved ones. On top of that, we surrendered because this is our only chance to live and see our relatives again,” Bernon said.

(“Wala na kaming ibang paraan para mabuhay kasi di na maka bigay ang aming mga dating masa ng mga pangagailangan namin, isa pa, nauna ng nag surrender ang aming mga pinuno kaya wala na kaming matakbuhan para hingan ng tulong. Nag desisyon kaming mag surrender sa mga kasundaluhan ng 60IB kasi nadinig namin ang makataong pagtrato nila sa mga kasamahan namin na nag surrender na, tinutulongan sila sa mga kailangan nila lalo na sa mga legal na pangangailangan at tinulungan na maka konekta sa mga pamilya at mahal namin sa buhay. Higit sa lahat, nag surrender kami kasi ito nalang ang pagkakataon namin para mabuhay at makita ulit mga pamilya namin,” ani Bernon.)

It can be recalled that 13 members of the same NPA unit led by its Commanding Officer, alias SM, surrendered on February 26 and another four (4) led by Alyas Datu Makatindog/MC (Front Secretary – Highest in Command) also of the same NPA unit surrendered on March 31, all to 60IB.

“We are seeing the end of Guerilla Front 3 and SRC 4 as well and I am glad to inform you that this happened without a single bullet shot against the enemy. This all happened through persistent negotiations backed by the people of the community through their strengthened Integrated Territorial Defense System. With that, the community-especially the Indigenous Peoples- can now confidently live their peaceful lives far from the atrocities, violence, and exploitation they experienced in the arms of the communist terrorists,” Lt. Col. Sumalinog said.

The three (3) surrenderees will be brought to Kapalong District Hospital for medical check-up. They are currently undergoing documentation and processing to Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) – a government intervention specifically designed for the former members of the NPA who surrendered and returned to the folds of the Law- for Immediate and Livelihood Assistance and cash remuneration for surrendered firearms.

As of reporting date, 60IB is relentless in its efforts to rescue the only four (4) remaining members of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 3 in order to totally dismantle and ultimately put an end to insurgency in this part of the region.

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