IN a significant development on December 14, seven demoralized members of the Maoist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the troops of the 36th Infantry Battalion based in Brgy. Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur.
This surrender was marked by the relinquishment of five high-powered firearms.
The surrendering individuals, comprising six regular NPA and one Milisya ng Bayan, were formerly associated with Platoon 1 of the Weakened Guerilla Front 30 and the augmented vertical elements from SRSDG Westland. They were involved in criminal activities spanning the municipalities of Lanuza, Cortes, Tago, Tandag City, and San Miguel, all within Surigao del Sur.
The identified surrenderees are Jomar Opdina, Analyn Penig, Risky Perez Acevedo, Daniel Bihon Plaza, Jericho Cabadonga, Michael Plaza, and Gesriel Alimbuyong. They handed over one AR15 Rifle, one Caliber 30 Garand Rifle, one M14 Rifle, and two AK47 Rifles.
Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Viray, the Commanding Officer of the 36IB, revealed that the decision to abandon communist terrorism stemmed from the surrendering members’ exhaustion and hunger, a consequence of relentless government operations and a lack of support from local communities.
Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, the 4ID Commander, praised the efforts of the 36IB and 901st Brigade for consistently extending opportunities to remaining Maoist fighters to return to the path of peace.
He also commended various stakeholders for their support, emphasizing the positive impact of a collaborative, whole-of-nation approach in ending local communist armed conflict.
“Rest assured that the Diamond (Troopers) will continue to help our long-lost brothers and sisters in bringing them back to mainstream society and live a normal life together with their families, especially as we are celebrating the Christmas season,” Cuerpo said. (4ID)
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