AN ALLEGED member of the New People's Army (NPA) has surrendered to authorities following a fierce gunfight with government forces last May 4 in Barangay San Luis, Malitbog town, Bukidnon.
First Lieutenant Tere Ingente, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) spokesperson, said 32-year-old Anaclito Sanugan Sagula Jr., surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, May 7.
Sagula yielded an AK47 rifle and three magazines, loaded with 88 ammunition.
Ingente said Sagula admitted that he was among the communist insurgents who had an encounter with soldiers in the same area. The gunfight claimed the life an NPA member.
“Sagula will undergo interview. Further, we are coordinating with the local government of Malitbog and Bukidnon in order to process the psychosocial intervention from the provincial DSWD and the assistance of Comprehensive Integration Program (CLIP) from the Provincial DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government). He will also receive corresponding amount for the firearm he surrendered depending on the serviceability upon the evaluation of the CLIP Committee of Bukidnon,” Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, Commanding Officer of 8th Infantry Battalion said.
Under the CLIP, a regular NPA surrenderee will receive immediate cash assistance of P15,000 and a livelihood assistance worth P50,000.
Troops are also exerting all efforts to locate the family and inform them of Sagula’s current status.
"We will ensure that the family of Sagula will be informed on his whereabouts. I am very sure they wanted to see him. On the other hand, I congratulate the 8th Infantry Battalion on the continuous efforts exerted in their area of responsibility just to ensure that the people of Bukidnon will eventually experience the peace and development they long to achieve,” Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade said.
4ID commander Major General Ronald Villanueva calls for the remaining members of “communist-terrorist” in the mountains to lay down their arms.
“I know that most NPA terrorist are planning to surrender, they are just waiting for the proper timing. There is a life aside from the life you are experiencing right now - away from hunger, fear and intimidation. A life that is far more productive and happy with your family and loved ones at home," he said.
You still have a chance to come back to the folds of the government, and experience this life. We are waiting to assist you on your surrender," Villanueva added.