AT LEAST 19 members of the Underground Mass Organization (Ugmo) have surrendered to police in Northern Samar following its anti-insurgency efforts.

Lieutenant Colonel Alex Dang-aoen, force commander of the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), identified the surrenderers as alias Romegio, 67; Conzing, 66; Parting, 64; Yuling/Lita, 66; Anita, 65; Viato, 69; Idong, 64; Gil, 50; German, 53 Ariel, 47; Willy, 55; Joel, 49; Roger, 42; Rolly, 58; Boy, 54; Efren, 56; Yolly, 55; Padak, 49; and Daye, 24.

They surrendered to the authorities in Barangay Capacujan, Palapag, Northern Samar, on April 8, 2023.

Colonel Alfredo Tadefa, director of the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office, lauded the “remarkable accomplishment” of the negotiating units.

According to the police regional command, the large number of surrenders was the result of the “persistent call and efforts” of the 2nd Northern Samar PMFC with the Charlie Company of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, 122nd, 12SAB, Special Action Force, and the support of the Palapag Municipal Police Station, Northern Samar Provincial Intelligence Unit, and 803rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8.

The surrenderers were placed under the custody of the 2nd Northern Samar PMFC.

According to the police officials, the 19 Ugmo members will undergo a “tactical interview” before getting benefits from the government. (SunStar Philippines)