Another NPA member yields to Army in Bukidnon

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – A New People’s Army (NPA) member surrendered to the commanding officer of the Army’s Eighth Infantry Battalion (8th IB) in Bukidnon province, regional Army spokesperson Lt. Tere Ingente told The Manila Bulletin on Sunday.

Ingente said the former rebel, whom she identified as “Ka Tikboy,” also turned over his M16 Armalite rifle and assorted live ammunition to the 8th IB commander Lt. Col. Ronaldo Illana.

Ingente added the surrenderer was a regular fighter of the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA’s North-Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

He is now currently being assisted by the 8th IB for his formal enrollment to the Comprehensive Local Intervention Program (CLIP) so that he can avail of the cash and livelihood support from the government.

Meanwhile, local officials have vowed to help the military campaign in ending the insurgency problem in Compostela Valley.

In a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin yesterday, Lt. Col. Esteveyn E. Ducusin, commanding officer of the Army’s 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battallion said officials of the provincial government of Compostela Valley (ComVal) province, led by Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy who is also the concurrent chairperson of the Southern Mindanao Regional Peace and Order Council RPOC), ComVal Rep. Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga, and municipal mayors made their commitment when they visited the unit’s headquarters in Mawab town on Friday morning.

“Purpose of their visit was to discuss the current thrust and programs of the battalion in support to the governments’ peace and development initiatives particularly in the municipalities of Maco and Mawab (which are both) in ComVal province,” the 71st IB commander said.

During the visit, Uy and local officials committed to rehabilitate and repair additional transient facilities for former rebels at the headquarters of the 71st IB so that it could accommodate returnees.