IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon – Three members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) surrendered to the Army CSP teams of the 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon.
These rebels also yielded four Anti-personnel mines and Garand rifle, on Wednesday.
Among who surrendered were alias ‘Alimokon’ 33 years old, medic, alias ‘Lakap’, 45, a member of the Militia ng Bayan/courier and alias ‘Jake’, 26, a regular member of the squad.
Former rebels revealed that they belong to Sub-Regional Command 2 (SRC2), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) that is currently conducting atrocities in the area of Impasugong, Malaybalay, Cabanglasan and Northern part of San Fernando, Quezon and Valencia City, all in Bukidnon.
They claimed that they came from the boundary of Bukidnon and Agusan Del Sur and they belong to the “Higaonon” tribe, one of the seven tribes in the area.
Understanding the Army’s Community Support Program in the area and filled up with the lies, deception and threats of the terrorists group led them to carry the 4 bombs, approximately 5 kgs each and a Garrand rifle which are in their possession and voluntarily surrender to the government troops.
The Army recorded that latest explosion of Anti-personnel Mines in Barangay Kalabugao was on 30 May 2019 when a group of foreign observers visited the place for an activity.
During their exit together with the army troopers, an explosion of mines initiated by the NPA group occurred which resulted to wounding of eight soldiers.
We are condemning this barbaric and inhumane act by the rebels because it was a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention wherein it prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines.
NPAs are always disregarding this treaty and this was a clear manifestation of its evolution into a terrorist organization.
In an interview with Lakap saying (translated) “I’m glad that soldiers are doing this CSP giving us the chance to surrender. We want to live free in the hands of the NPA. They are always threatening us if we opt to run from their group, they will kill us. They will force us to battle against the soldiers who are doing community services by using the anti-personnel mines.”
“I extend my appreciation to the CSP Teams for doing a great job, indeed we are Dependable troopers which people can depend on, we do always the right thing. To the former rebels who choose to believe the government, welcome to your new life. We assure you that you will be enrolled in the E-CLIP as a start of your new life.” Lieutenant Colonel Ronald M Illana, the Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion said.
Likewise in his statement released, “This surrenders were enlightened by the government troops and they need the presence of our government in their community. I am again calling all agencies to deliver all services especially in conflict affected areas. Whole of Nation approach is the best approach to end insurgency” ended by Brigadier General Edgardo Y De Leon, the commander of 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade based in Bukidnon. (4ID)
