SEVEN members of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in Cordillera voluntarily surrendered to the government recently.
Following a series of negotiations, two CTG team leaders surrendered at the Benguet Police Provincial Office (BPPO) on July 15, 2020, with the initial surrender of alias "Boyet," 32, resident of Basao, Tinglayan, Kalinga, a member of the Leonardo Pacsi Command under Kilusang Larangang Guerrilla (KLG) Marco; and Alias "Abe," 43, a resident of Basao, Tinglayan, Kalinga, a member of the Lejo Cawilan Command under KLG Baggas.
Along with their surrender, an M14 Rifle (Caliber 7.62mm), one magazine loaded with 12 ammunitions and a caliber 45 pistol with a magazine loaded with seven live ammunition were also turned over.
KLG Marco operates in the municipalities of Tinglayan, Kalinga Province, Bontoc and Sadanga, Mountain Province, while KLG Baggas operates in the Municipalities of Tinglayan, Lubuagan, Pasil, upper Tabuk City of Kalinga Province.
Two more CTGs of the Leonard Pacsi Command surrendered and were identified as Ka Shina, designated medical person of the group who voluntarily surrendered at BPPO at Camp Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet on July 12; and alias "Digma," 28, a resident of Basao, Tinglayan, Kalinga, designated team leader, surrendered at Camp Dennis Molintas, Bangao, Buguias, Benguet on July 13.
Their group operates in the municipalities of Bontoc, Sagada, Bauko and Tadian Mountain Province.
CTG members identified as Tikoy, 21, member of KLG Marco and Yangsi, 21, member of KLG Ampis, both residents of Barangay Basao, Tinglayan, Kalinga, voluntarily surrendered at the Kalinga Police Provincial Office at Camp Captain Juan M. Duyan in Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga on July 14.
Along with their surrender were one M16 rifle, one rifle with ammunition, firing wire approximately 25 meters, two pieces nine-volt battery, an improvised electric blasting cap and one improvised anti-personnel clamor mine type.
On July 11, alias "Agnay," 58, widow, farmer and listed No.18 in the Periodic Status Report of Threat Groups under the Militia ng Bayan, surrendered at his residence in Sitio Maliten, Laylaya, Besao, Mountain Province on July 11.
The rebels voluntarily surrendered themselves and expressed their willingness to withdraw support from CTGs because of hunger and tiredness from the mountains. They also realized that they have a future with the government.
“Our unwavering commitment under NTF ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) with the active support of local government units proved to be successful in securing our region against the threat of communist terrorism amid the current international health crisis,” Police Regional Director-Cordillera (Procor) Director Police Brigadier General R’win Pagkalinawan stated.
Procor earlier said that with the number of returning rebels, more surrenders are expected to happen as it remains steadfast in assisting them on their way back to mainstream society, together with other agencies.