By Che Palicte/ Philippine News Agency
DAVAO CITY – Some seven guerrillas of the communist terrorist New People’s Army, including two minors, surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) in Davao del Norte, bringing with them four high-powered firearms, the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) said in a statement Wednesday (Sept. 22).
All were members of the Weakened Guerilla Front (WGF) 3, Sub Regional Committee (SRC) 4, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
They were identified as Toto Morgades Tumagsa alias Jiboy, 21, team leader; Rene Tumagsa Tiklonay alias John/Alex, 19, team leader; Lyka Casal Velis alias Marian/Mary Ann/Yawe, 23, team medic; Ronafe Catarata Adregado alias Chacha/Ritchie/Gareb, 19, platoon medic; Monding Tilocan Balanban alias Bato/Lubas, 48; a 16-year-old member who served as a supply officer; and a 15-year-old member who served as a team medic.
The 10ID said the seven voluntarily surrendered to Lt. Col Ronaldo Sarmiento, 60IB commanding officer based at Sitio Tawinian, Brgy Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte on Sept. 20.
Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, the 10ID spokesperson, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday that three M16 rifles and one M653 rifle were also turned over by the group.
According to the surrenderers, they left the WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC under the leadership of Alfie Olbis Trabado alias Coco/Cardo/Sulay in Loreto, Agusan del Sur last Sept. 16, due to hunger, fear, and stress brought about by the relentless focused military operations of the 60IB in the area.
The 60IB is currently facilitating a medical examination and coordinating with the Kapalong Municipal Police and the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) for the proper disposition of the two minor surrenderers.
“The Intel operatives of 60IB is currently conducting custodial debriefing as their requirement for the enrollment to the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The said battalion also coordinated with the Philippine National Police counterparts for the filing of appropriate charges against the WGF 3 personalities for their recruitment of minors – a clear violation under Violence Against Women and Children,” the 10ID added.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., commander of the 10ID, lauded the troops for their accomplishment.
“Without firing a single bullet, we were able to persuade our enemies to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. Truly, the developmental effort is one of the contributors for a just and lasting peace in our community,” he said.
The Communist Party of the Philippines – 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)
