Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: WESTMINCOM: Communist terrorist group officers, members surrender to military in Maguindanao del Norte

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

WESTMINCOM: Communist terrorist group officers, members surrender to military in Maguindanao del Norte

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 21, 2023): Communist terrorist group officers, members surrender to military in Maguindanao del Norte

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – August 21, 2023

Four remnants of the communist terrorist group surrendered to the troops of the 57th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Mirab, Upi, Maguindanao del Norte, on August 18, 2023.

The surrendered personalities presented themselves to Lt. Col. Guillermo Mabute, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 57IB at 3 p.m. Friday. They were identified as alias Bugsay, political instructor of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma (SRC Daguma), Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR); alias Sangkay, vice squad leader of the Vertical Force of SRC Daguma; and alias Cesar and alias Jack, both members of the vertical force.

During their surrender, the former rebels handed over two M14 rifles, one Cal .38 revolver, one improvised explosive device with 20m flat cord stranded wire #18 and one blasting cap, and two magazines for M14 rifles with ammunition.

The duo was also instrumental in the surrender of certain Malakas and Justine and the recovery of two high-powered firearms after the conduct of follow-up/pursuit operations. On the other hand, Cesar and Jack were also reprojected after their surrender last September 19, 2022. They recently expressed their willingness to return to mainstream society, hence their surrender.

Surrendered CTG personalities are currently under the custody of 57IB while undergoing custodial debriefing. Meanwhile, the surrendered firearms and other war materials are deposited at the H57IB supply room for dispositive action.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, said the surrender of the four CTG remnants manifests that the government continues to win the hearts of the enemy. "This success is a result of the combined efforts of the troops, the local government units, and the populace in the joint battle against terrorism, insurgency, and any form of criminality."