DAVAO CITY —Nine members of the communist New People’s Army simultaneously surrendered before the military authorities in Surigao del Sur on March 9.
Lieutenant Colonel Cresencio Gargar of 29IB identified the rebels as Maria Sila Galupo known as Rod, Hanah Sarah Galupo known as Jane, Narlyn Conseugra known as Nadine, Manuel Nakira Jr. (Nickle)l, and Urily Nakil known as Jean.
The rebels handed over their issued four firearms, which included two (2) M16 rifles, one (1) AK47 rifle, and one (1) grenade launcher.
On the same day, four rebels also surrendered to Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Viray of 36IB, namely Bernabe Pamad, a.k.a. Depor, Ronel Estano, a.k.a. Lito, Mary Koy Cuarteron, a.k.a. Grey, and Lito Montenegro, a.k.a. Judge. They bring surrendered two (2) firearms including one (1) AK47 rifle and a caliber 45 pistol.
The rebels were members of Front 30 of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee operating in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur respectively.
The rebels told the military officers they escaped from their groups due to fear of being hit by the continuous combat operations.
Brigadier General Arsenio Sadural,Brigade Commander of the 901st Brigade, said the massive surrender is a demonstration that the NEMRC is on the brink of collapse.
He emphasized that the convergence of efforts by the government agencies in combating insurgency, along with the localized peace engagements, are the keys to this accomplishment. Along with the unending combat operations, CTGs no longer have a place to go, thus they end up surrendering rather than facing death.
“These remaining CNTs have no other option than to surrender to the government. We are now at the stage wherein insurgency is at its lowest point and nearest extinction. It’s the right time to unite and embrace peace,” Sadural added.
The government continues to make progress in its efforts to put an end to CTGs in Caraga Region. The 901st Brigade is the primary unit tasked with securing large portion of Caraga while facilitating development and providing basic services to the people.
