Kalinaw News: No let-up operation led 8 communist terrorists to surrender

From Kalinaw News (Jul 22, 2022): No let-up operation led 8 communist terrorists to surrender

CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao – Eight (8) members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) yielded to government troops including their weapons which consisted of an automatic rifle, high explosives, and shotgun during a presentation held at the 7th Infantry (TAPAT) Battalion in Barangay Masiag, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat morning of July 20, 2022.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Chicote, Battalion Commander of 7IB, the said personalities were remnants of South Regional Command, Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) who have now had a major setback in their ranks due to the surrender of their members. “They withdraw their allegiance to the CPP-NPA terrorist group”, said Lt. Col. Chicote.

“The former communist combatants also want to clear their names to live normal lives in their community”, Lt. Col. Chicote added.

They turned over their firearms consisting of two rifles 5.56mm M16, one rifle Cal. 30 M1 carbine, two KG9 & one Ingram, and one (1) M79 with three (3) 40mm high explosives, one High Explosive, command-detonated explosives (CDX) and one 12-Gauge Shotgun with several magazines and ammunition.

Colonel Michael Santos, 603rd Infantry Brigade Commander said that based on the revelation of surrendered persons, they decided to surrender and return to the folds of the law because of the no let-up focused military operations in the area.

“The relentless operation of the troops resulted in their significant loss not only in terms of manpower but also on their mass base which made them on the run and experienced hunger, tired and discomfort”, Col. Santos added.

One of the surrenderers said he was happy that they were given the chance to change their lives and correct the mistake they have committed due to the deception of the CPP-NPA.

“Biktima rin kami ng mga kasinungalingan at panlilinlang ng CPP-NPA. Gusto namin ng kapayapaan. Ang CPP-NPA ay naghahasik ng takot at lagim sa komunidad at ito ang isa sa aming mga dahilan para sumuko sa mga awtoridad,” he said.

Major General Roberto Capulong, Acting Commander of 6ID and JTF Central lauded the efforts of troops from the brigade down to the battalion level in winning the hearts and minds of the former combatants that led in waving the white flag. “The CNTs have already broken too many families where they have brought the father, the mother, or the child to their death in the mountains”, Maj. Gen. Capulong said.

“The Former Rebel is now ‘Family Reunited’ and we hope to save many families and help them live a peaceful and happy life away from the armed struggle”, the Division Commander 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/no-let-up-operation-led-8-communist-terrorists-to-surrender/