Troops of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division scored another operational gain against the New People’s Army (NPA) after two (2) of its members voluntarily surrendered while four (4) high-powered firearms were captured in separate developments in Bukidnon and Surigao del Sur.
The two (2) NPA members laid down their arms to the 8th Infantry Battalion on March 12 in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon after experiencing increasing pressure from sustained military operations and dwindling support from local populace.
Following their peaceful surrender, they also yielded one (1) M16 rifle.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeorge R. Jallorina, Commanding Officer of 8IB said this surrender gained valuable information that contributed to ongoing security efforts aimed at dismantling the remaining NPA elements operating in the unit’s area of responsibility.
Meanwhile, troops of the 30th Infantry Battalion successfully unearthed four (4) high-powered firearms consisting of three (3) M16 rifles, one (1) Colt M4 rifle, magazines, ammunitions and other war materiel at Sitio Gis Anan, Brgy. Carromata, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on March 13.
Lt. Col. Rey Vergel A. Annogui, Commanding Officer of 30IB stated the discovery of the arms cache was a follow-up development to the earlier arms cache recovered in the neighboring Sitio Lago of the same barangay on March 11.
In his message, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of 4ID said these achievements delivered a significant setback to the remaining NPAs, further weakening their operational capability.
“These highlight the continued decline of the NPA as more of its members choose to surrender while their resources and firearms are gradually being recovered through our focused military operations. Although we will not rest our laurels in pursuing them in the battlefield, we still encourage them to take the opportunity to return to the folds of the law and live peaceful lives with their families,” he added. (By 4ID)
