TWO alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA), who are both in their 20s, surrendered to authorities over the weekend in Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon.
Authorities identified the surrendered as “Sander,” a member of Squad 3 PEDLER, Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC), and “Jems,” a member of Squad 1, Platoon JADE, Sandatahang Platun Pampropaganda 3 (SPP3) TOTO, Guerilla Front 4B (GF4B), NCMRC.
Sander brought 1 US Springfield rifle, while Jems surrendered a Carbine rifle and live ammunition.
The recorded surrender is on top of the mass surrender of some 118 NPA members and supporters who pledged support to the government in Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong last July 5.
“It is never too late for the victims of the CPP-NPA ideology to see the truth behind the lies. The government had laid down plans and programs to help communities and that there is no need for them to join any armed struggle,” Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana of the 8th Infantry Battalion said.
“Moreover, people now appreciate the dedication and commitment of the government in order to achieve just and lasting peace. Rest assured that your Dependable Battalion will be there every step of the way to help the people and the local government of Bukidnon,” he added.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Lahi, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, the 30th Infantry Battalion (IB) recovered a decomposing body of an alleged NPA, last July 14.
The residents reported to 30IB’s Community Support Program (CSP) the foul scent that came from the mountainous part of the said community.
Found with the body were pair of rain boots, and a bandoleer, a Spikes Tactical SL15 Striker 5.56mm Rifle, four magazines and 81 rounds of ammunitions. The recovered body and items were directly brought to the barangay.
The army believed that the NPA died last July 10, during the 15-minute firefight between troops of 30IB and 10 NPA members of Sandatahang Platun Pampropaganda 16C (SPP16C), Guerilla Front Committee 16 (GFC16) of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) at the vicinity of same barangay, Gigaquit town. There was no casualty reported in the troops of 30IB at the time, but there were bloodstains.
The body was claimed by the family and was later identified as Romel Tac-an alias Jasper, the vice commander of SPP16C.