SIBAGAT, Agusan del Sur – A high ranking New Peoples’ Army (NPA) Terrorist, Pablito Campos Also Known As (AKA) Batik or Ponsoy, the front secretary, political officer of Guerrilla Front 21A and at the same time the spokesperson of Sub Regional Committee of Westland of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) was apprehended by joint troops of 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) and Philippine National Police (PNP) Sibagat around 9:00 AM, February 23, 2018 at Brgy Villangit, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
Recovered from his possession were the following: one (1) M4 rifle, 1 fully loaded long magazine, 3 cellular phones, 1 backpack containing 1 hand grenade and personal belongings. The said recovered items is in the custody of 3rd Special Forces Battalion.
Lieutenant Colonel Rhoderick L Parallag, Commanding Officer of states, “3SFBn will continue its security operations in our area of responsibility in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the people. I also urged the families, relatives and neighbors of remaining NPA terrorists to encourage them to lay down their arms and live peacefully.” Since January of this year, the 401st Brigade have already neutralized a number of Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army Terrorists (CNTs) from Agusan Sur and Surigao Del Sur.
Aside from deaths of CNTs in encounters, four (4) were captured or apprehended and fifty-seven (57) have surrendered due to the hardship they relentless operations of pursuing troops. Twenty-six (26) high powered and low powered firearms and more than 100 improvised explosive devices, thousands of ammunitions were seized. In addition, CNTs have lost control of 4 major enemy camps which were overran by government troops. “We looking forward for more apprehensions for coming days and weeks because the AFP and PNP have already eyes on the leadership of NPA terrorists. They are the main reason why there is a delay of development of our areas.
The capture of Pablito Campos, shows that our soldiers adheres to the rule of law and IHL as they respect his rights so he can face trial for all his atrocious acts against the people” Colonel Andres Centino, the Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade stationed in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur said. Campos was the one responsible for the failed ambush of PNP Sibagat personnel last July 29, 2017 at El Rio, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur that resulted to the death of one of their comrades. Moreover, he has eight (8) Warrant of Arrests for crimes of rebellion, frustrated murder, murder, multiple attempted murder, kidnapping and serious illegal detention that were issued by different Regional Trial Court Branches in Lianga, Surigao del Sur and Bayugan City. “Pablito Campos’ apprehension is a big setback for the NPA terrorists in Caraga Region knowing that he is the brain of Front Committee 21A. He decides on which companies and personalities are for extortion and abduction. Further, he is the top propagandist and recruiter in the hinderlands of Sibagat, Bayugan and San Miguel of Agusan del Sur, the root of terrorism in the areas of Agusan del Sur. GF21A will soon experience blind leadership and eventually the downfall of the said front.” Major General Ronald Villanueva, Commander of Army’s 4th Infantry Division said.
Villanueva is calling for the remaining NPAs, “For the terrorists who are still in the mountains fighting for their failed ideology, this government has never been so welcoming for the former rebels up to this moment, do not waste it! Government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program is giving away cash and livelihood assistance in exchange for your surrender and firearms, this will not be here forever. Take advantage of it and start a new life away from chaos, hunger, and fear of encountering our operating troops, come back to the folds of the government.”