Nine high-ranking guerrillas surrender in Agusan del Sur

NINE HIGH-RANKING members of the New People’s Army surrendered to the soldiers of the 26th Infantry Battalion in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on March 3.

Capt. Reggie Go, the spokesperson of 4th Infantry Division, said the surrenderees consisted of two commanding officers, one squad leader, two team leaders, two medics, and one supply officer.

They handed over two M16 rifles, two M1 Garand rifles, one Carbine rifle, one improvised M79 grenade launcher, three .45 caliber pistols, one improvised anti-personnel mine, and one fragmentation grenade.

He said the surrenders now bring the total to 346 since the start of the year. Moreover, the division has captured or recovered a total of 53 assorted firearms and other war materiel.

“We felt that the government is sincere in its efforts to give us a chance to live a peaceful life again with our families that is

why we opted to lay down our arms,” alias Tonton told soldiers.

The former rebels are now undergoing processing to facilitate their enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea, the commander of the 26th IB, said they are currently coordinating with various local government units and government agencies to take care of the former rebels.

“We are doing all we can to help our fellow Filipinos return to the normal and peaceful life that they have abandoned when they joined the communist-terrorist organization,” he said. “We are glad they finally found the courage to do the right thing for themselves and their families.”

Brig. Gen. Andres C. Centino, commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, encouraged the remaining active communist guerrillas to lay down their arms.

“The E-Clip is, by far, the most comprehensive program that we can offer to our brothers who are still waging a futile war against the government. There is no better time for them to surrender than now,” Centino said.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Franco Nemesio

M. Gacal, commander of the 4th ID, commended the 26th IB and 401st Brigade for the accomplishment.

“We cannot continue killing each other because our country and its people

will only suffer,” Gacal said. “We encourage everyone to unite and give peace a chance because it is the best we can offer to the next generation.” By Rhoda Grace B. Saron