FIVE members of the “Militia ng Bayan” voluntarily surrendered to the 54th Infantry Battalion Aloha Company, 77th Infantry Battalion, Philippine National Police (PNP) Ambaguio and the Local Government Unit Ammoway in Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya.
The surrender of the five militia men was made possible through the mediation of the 54th Infantry Battalion, barangay officials and civilian informants.
The surrenderees underwent debriefing procedures and took their oath and pledge of allegiance to the government administered by Second Lieutenant Julie Bebs Pacumba, Philippine Army Civil Military operations officer.
The former militia men have signified their intentions to surrender and clear their names to the government troops and withdrew their support to New People's Army (NPA). According to them, they were being manipulated by the NPA with the aim of destabilizing the peace and development programs of government troops.
Lieutenant Colonel Narciso Nabulnag Jr., commander of the 54th Infantry Battalion, lauded the efforts of the army and barangay officials for the successful negotiation.
"Your selfless efforts as front runners for the surrender of militia members made them realize they were just used and manipulated by the leaders of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNT)," Nabulnag said.
"I appeal to the civilians who are still supporting the NPA to be vigilant and stop giving support to them but rather help the government encourage NPA remnants to lay down their arms and embrace the government to promote the culture of peace in the community especially that the AFP, PNP and LGU are jointly working on a program to welcome and help the surrenderees live a normal and progressive lives," Nabulnag added.
Meanwhile, three firearms holder surrendered their licensed gun to the PNP for safekeeping.
Last May 10, current Fort Del Pilar Village Chief Rolando Nacionales Martos personally surrendered his .45 pistol without magazine for safekeeping pending the renewal of his license.
On the same day in Kalinga, Barangay Kagawad Rudy Cammagay of Taggay, Pinukpuk turned over a home-made shotgun to Pinukpuk Municipal Police Stations which was turned–over by a concerned citizen.
Roque Calocaran Garcia of Bugallon, Pangasinan and presently residing at Bonifacio Street, Honeymoon, surrendered a caliber 9mm pistol, with serial number 928080 and a magazine for caliber 9mm for safekeeping pending renewal of his license.