More rebels surrender this holiday season
CARMEN, Surigao del Sur - Some six members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and one Militia ng Bayan (MB) voluntarily surrendered to the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion stationed in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur on December 14.
According to 36IB Civil Military Operations chief Captain Reyzander Ga, the following rebels voluntarily surrendered to the government, namely:
o Gabriel, team leader of Squad 1, Platoon 1, Weakened Guerilla Front 30 (WGF30);
o Kobe/Angking, member of Platoon 1, WGF30;
o Rey, member of Platoon 1, WGF30;
o Reymond (MB), a member of the underground mass organization (UGMO), WGF30;
o Curry/Mahong, Medic, Platoon Apitong, sub regional sentro de grabidad (SRSDG) Westland;
o Lux, Member, Platoon Apitong, SRSDG Westland; and
o James, vice team leader, Squad 2, Platoon Apitong, SRSDG Westland.
“These rebels sought the help of Lt. Colonel Vincent M. Viray, 36IB commanding officer, and brought with them one AR15 rifle, one M14 rifle, one cal. 30 M1 Garand rifle, and two AK47 rifles,” Capt. Ga said.
“They decided to surrender because of the hardships they encountered in the hinterlands while evading the government troops. With the Christmas season fast approaching, they dreamt of being with their families and loved ones, and this motivated them to lay down their firearms and return to the government, “Ga added.
In addition, Viray emphasized, ”This holiday season is a time for reconciliation, forgiveness, and new beginnings. The government urges other insurgents who are still in the mountains to consider laying down their arms and to join their families in celebrating the spirit of Christmas.”
“The government continues to welcome and assist those who are willing to return to the folds of the law and avail several programs of the government for them to start a new life with their families,” Viray further said.
The CTG is primarily composed of members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which was founded in 1968, and the New People’s Army (NPA), which was formed back then in 1969. Accordingly, since 1971, the CTG has conducted attacks against the Philippine government, resulting in about 40,000 deaths of civilians, Philippine security forces, and CPP/NPA group members.
Militia ng Bayan (MB), on the other hand, are individuals who have been indoctrinated and may or may not be directly involved in violent armed struggle.
From June to December 15 of this year, a total of nine NPAs, and MB surrendered to the 36IB. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
