By Marita Moaje / Philippine News Agency
Seven guerrillas of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) have recently surrendered to the government, claiming they are tired of evading government troops.
In a media statement on Wednesday (Sept. 29), Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said a CPP-NPA-NDF leader and six other members surrendered to the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Brgy Tongan-Tongan, Valencia City, Bukidnon on Sept. 26.
Among those who voluntarily surrendered were Dante Pluma Cuyos alias ‘Dr/Pedring/Asul/Riche,’ who served as the kalihim sa seksyon (political officer) of Platoon Bagsik, Guerilla Front (GF) Malayag of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
Four female CPP-NPA rebels identified as Jalyn Hagayhay Mandikonlay alias ‘Cecil/Sassy,’ platoon medic; Lina Tawide Tilucan alias ‘Kikay,’ political guide; Nalyn Gibangon Mansayloan alias ‘Sabel,’ and Maricel Tingcas Gamot alias ‘Maricel,’ surrendered with Cuyos.
“We welcome Cuyos’ return to the peaceful path as he finally realized the senselessness of his more than nine years of armed struggle, seeing his friends and companions die or being captured in the past weeks,” Brawner said.
“We commend their decision, and your Army is always ready to help and assist them as we learned that one of the female surrenderers is pregnant, another is suffering from a kidney problem, while one is deaf. We shall facilitate their medical treatment at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in 4ID,” he added.
The group also surrendered high-powered firearms that include three 7.62mm caliber AK47 rifles; one 5.56mm caliber M4 Bushmaster rifle; one 7.62mm caliber M14 rifle; and one .30 caliber Garand rifle.
Meanwhile, a couple also left the CPP-NPA-NDF and recently surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion.
They were identified as Junas Tuminao Lindaban alias ‘Kint,’ political guide, Squad 1, and his party wife, Rosalinda Simpan Paunay alias ‘Keratin/Jela,’ squad medic, both of SDG Dario, GF89, NCMRC.
With more members of CPP-NPA-NDF returning to the fold of the law, Brawner said the end of the Communist terrorist group (CTG) in Bukidnon province is forthcoming.
“They were demoralized as our troops incessantly conduct focused military operations based on the influx of information received from civilians, enabling the troops to track CTG hideouts. They were tired of continuously hiding while having meager food supplies in the mountains,” Brawner said.
He said the CTGs have lost the support of the masses.
Brawner said the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that aims to help former rebels turn to a peaceful and meaningful life together with their families played a key role in enticing the CTG members to surrender.
Data from the 4ID showed that since January of this year, a total of 259 CTG members surrendered to the government.
A total of 107 firearms were also recovered during the same period.
Brawner reiterated the government’s sincerity in ending the 50 years’ insurgency problem in the country, adding that CPP-NPA-NDF members who decide to reject armed struggle and return to a peaceful path will be given better opportunities under the E-CLIP.
Among the benefits awaiting rebel returnees under the E-CLIP program are financial assistance package, sustainable livelihood skills training, educational assistance for the former rebels and their families, housing assistance, and other aftercare interventions from different government agencies and local government units.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA) – jlo
