The 4ID intelligence unit and 75th Infantry Battalion facilitated the surrender of two members of the Regional Operations Command, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (ROC, NEMRC) bringing a AK47 rifle, rifle grenade, a scope, and three AK47 rifle magazines.
This was followed by the surrender of another member who was carrying his R4 rifle and a magazine with six rounds of ammunition to 75IB and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion in Brgy. Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on May 16.
Meanwhile, the 29th Infantry Battalion, also under the operational control of the 401st Brigade led the peaceful surrender of another CTG member in Brgy. Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on May 15.
Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, the Acting Commander of the 401st Brigade said the surrenderers turned themselves in after realizing the futility of the armed struggle and the continuous setbacks suffered by their organization in the region. Their surrender is considered another significant blow to the weakening communist terrorist movement operating in Caraga region.
The development came in the aftermath of the recent armed encounter in Brgy. Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on May 11, which resulted in the death of Edilberto Daval alias Bong/Waco/Bill, Commanding Officer of the ROC, NEMRC. Said incident further demoralized remaining members, prompting them to abandon the armed movement and return to the folds of the law.
“We welcome their decision to abandon armed violence and choose the path of peace. This only shows that the government’s sincere efforts in addressing insurgency and helping former rebels start anew are working. We encourage the remaining members to surrender while there is still an opportunity to rebuild their lives with their families,” Aynera said.
Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of 4ID, in his statement emphasized that the continued surrender of CTG members reflects the declining support and deteriorating condition of the group.
“The surrender of these individuals manifests the weakening capability and diminishing morale of the communist terrorist group following the loss of their leaders," Angcao said.
Angcao assures all those who wish to return to the folds of the law that the government is ready to help them start a peaceful and productive life.
He further reiterated the division’s commitment to sustaining focused military operations while supporting peace and development initiatives in conflict-affected communities to finally end local communist armed conflict in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
Photos: 4th ID
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