Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay – Communists NPA Terrorists (CNT) couple surrendered and a total of nine firearms yielded to government forces in Zamboanga Peninsula, Sunday evening, June 6.
Alias Okie, a member of the defunct Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) together with his wife, a member of the defunct Regional Urban Committee surrendered to joint AFP and PNP forces in Zamboanga del Sur.
Alias Okie also surrendered one caliber .45 pistol with magazine and ammunitions.
“We would like to thank the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Chairman of Zamboanga del Sur, Hon Victor Yu for the assistance of the safe return of Okie and his wife to the folds of law,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade.
Meanwhile, alias Renz, Romnick, Jonas and Reden, who are all former members of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) yielded additional firearms to Army forces under the 102nd Infantry Brigade.
The former rebels were assisted by the troops to recover firearms hidden in various areas in Zamboanga del Norte as follows: four M16 rifles and one M203 grenade launcher in Sto Nino, Gutalac; two AK47 rifles in Tinuyop and one M16 rifle Sipakong, both in Leon Postigo, which they later on surrendered to the brigade.
It can be recalled that the said former rebels previously surrendered a total of 7 high-powered and 2 low-powered firearms.
“The CTGs gain power from the armaments that they use to intimidate and force innocent farmers, women, youth and indigenous people to join their cause,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.
“However, the series of surrender of CTG members and firearms, to include the other hundreds of former rebels rescued and firearms yielded last 2019 to 2020, has significantly reduced their armed capability and threat to the people of Zamboanga Peninsula,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas concluded.
The firearms will be added to the previously surrendered firearms that will be enrolled to the firearm remuneration of the E-CLIP.
While the two surrendered CTG members will be processed for their E-CLIP assistance.
(EB Piedad, DXKP Pagadian News Correspondent, photo courtesy of Wendel Cabrera)