By Francisco E. Dosdos, Jr.
Correspondent .
PAGADIAN City — Through the intensified focused military operations of the government security forces and the sustained pressure from the different stakeholders, four New People’s Army militiamen surrendered in Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City last Thursday, officials reported.
The surrender was facilitated by the combined efforts of the 51st Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Jasper Edward Obar and the 5th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Ryan Severo, the report added.
The returnees also yielded four firearms consisting of one US M1 Garand rifle, one carbine rifle, one 9mm Ingram sub-machine gun, and one shotgun as well as magazines and ammunition, according to the report.
“Based on the revelation of the four (militiamen), they decided to surrender because of the hardships they are experiencing in the mountains and they are tired of hiding from the government forces conducting military operations,” said Obar.
They also learned about the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-clip) where all the stakeholders are working together in order to help renew the life of the former rebels, Obar said.
“Nabalitaan din po namin na may programa ang gobyerno na E-clip para sa mga mag balik-loob kaya napag-isipan namin mag-surrender sa mga sundalo,” said alias Rebi, one of the surrenderers.
“We warmly welcome the four NPA (militiamen) who realized that their lives with the communist NPA Terrorist will lead nowhere. We will ensure that they will be provided with the necessary assistance through E-clip,” said Col. Ezra James Enriquez, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade.
Meanwhile, Brigadier Gen. Roberto Ancan, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, commended the troops for the successful surrender of the NPA militiamen.
“We encourage other NPAs to return to the folds of the law and help us in sustaining the development programs of our government,” Ancan added.
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