Camp Sang-An, Zamboanga del Sur — On July 19, three final armed remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Regional Cell made a significant move towards peace and reconciliation by voluntarily surrendering their firearms to the Army’s 102nd Infantry (Igsoon) Brigade at Purok 2, Brgy Saad, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.
The individuals, identified as @Jundy, a former squad leader; @Jack/Joven, a former commanding officer; and @Crismae/Jeepey, a former member of the defunct Guerilla Front BBC, took the courageous step toward a new life. They surrendered with two M16 rifles, one M1911 Cal. 45, three bandoliers, three magazines, sixty-one 5.56mm rounds, seven .45 caliber rounds, and one backpack.
Brig. Gen. Elmer B. Suderio, Commander of the 102nd (Igsoon) Brigade, remarked, “The decision of @Jundy, @Jack/Joven, and @Crismae/Jeepey to surrender with their firearms is commendable and marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards peace in the Zamboanga Peninsula. We will ensure their safety during the reintegration process and support their return to society.”
Maj. Gen. Gabriel C. Viray III, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the former CTG members for their bravery in surrendering and choosing to continue their lives as normal citizens. “The value of these three individuals as surrenderers cannot be overstated. According to the doctrine of the CPP-NPA, recovery is always a goal after setbacks. However, with these surrenders, the chances of recovery in this region are significantly diminished. This surrender will lead to the eventual dismantling of the CTG Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) and signify the total defeat of the Communist Terrorist Group in the Zamboanga Peninsula.”
The surrenderers were presented to Hon. Victor J. Yu, Governor of Zamboanga del Sur, and Maj. Gen. Gabriel C. Viray III, Commander of the 1st Infantry TABAK Division. Governor Yu, who also chairs the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC), expressed his dedication and commitment to supporting the development of each surrenderee. He reinforced the spirit of collaboration and resilience among the people of Zamboanga del Sur and highlighted the province’s cooperation with the Philippine Army.
This event underscores the government’s commitment to fostering reconciliation and promoting peacebuilding. By enabling former rebels to reintegrate into society, it aims to boost community development and stability.
(Source: 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army Facebook page)