FOUR ranking members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) from Negros Oriental surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) on Saturday, August 7, 2021.
Lieutenant Colonel Roderick Salayo, 11IB commanding officer, identified the surrenderees as alias Jango and alias Jay both members of Regional Striking Force (RSF), Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS), alias Rodel, Vice Squad Leader of Squad 3, Central Negros 2; and, alias Bong, remaining squad leader of South East Front (Dismantled).
Alias Bong surrendered one Caliber 45 pistol, with 22 live ammunition, and alias Rodel yielded one Caliber 45 with six live ammunition.
Realizing that this is for the betterment of their lives and their families, they surrendered themselves to the government with the help of the troops, Salayo said.
“Nahihirapan na kami sa bundok dahil wala na kaming mapagtataguan. Wala na ring mga taong sumusuporta sa amin. Hindi na namin kayang makipaglaban sa mga sundalo dahil wasak na wasak na ang aming prente,” Jango revealed.
The Army's 11IB will assist the surrenderees to be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).
Salayo lauded the courage of the four surrenderees to choose the right path and leave behind the armed struggle.
“The surrender of these ranking CNTs (communist NPA terrorists) is a clear indication that they are demoralized and fed up with the atrocities and ruthlessness of their group,” he emphasized.
302nd Brigade Commander Colonel Leo Peña said, “I am glad these four ranking NPA members finally realized to live peacefully with their families. That is the most important thing, to be with their respective family. We will assist them in processing their E-Clip benefits upon completing the requirements for validation and evaluation.”
“I am also grateful to the Chairpersons of the Provincial and Municipal Task Forces to End Local Communist and Armed Conflict (Elcac) who actively supported the Philippine Army in Negros Oriental. It is a manifestation that the EO (Executive Order) 70 or the National Task Force Elcac is functioning well and becomes effective. Also, we expect for more surrenderees as we aim further and work together for peace and progress,” Peña added.