4 rebels surrender to gov’t in Surigao Sur town
CARMEN, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – Some four members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion, 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division Philippine Army stationed at Brgy Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur on 9 March 2024.
According to 36IB Civil Military Operations chief 2LT Charita Igdalino, the surrenderees were identified as Bernabe Limbaga Pamad alias “Depor,” squad leader of Squad 3; Ronel Bagnol Estaño alias “Lito,” squad leader of Squad 2; Maryjoy Jacento Cuarteron alias “Grey,” medic of Squad 2; and Lito Quinones Montenegro alias “Judge,” member of Squad 2.
Igdalino shared that both of them were under Platoon 1, the Weakened Guerilla Front 30 (WGF30), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
“To signify their commitment to end their armed struggle, they surrendered one AK47 rifle and one al. 45 pistol with magazines and live ammunition,” the official said.
Accordingly, the decision of the surrenderees was driven by the hardships they faced and encountered in the hinterlands in evading the government troops. With the knowledge that the government forces treat the surrendered NPAs humanely.
The surrenderees also have knowledge on the government’s comprehensive plan for all surrendered rebels to have a fresh start with the support of the government programs and benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), they chose to surrender.
The series of surrenders made by the CTG members in Surigao del Sur manifested the effective collaborative efforts of the various government instrumentalities and the strong support of the civil society organizations in resolving the root causes of the insurgency problem.
The 36IB remains committed to its effort to foster peace and reconciliation, encouraging other members of armed groups to consider a similar path toward reintegration into the mainstream of society.
Lt.Col. Vincent M Viray, commanding officer of 36IB, commended their decision to return to the fold of the law and said, “they made a wise decision to surrender.”
The official emphasized that the steps they made will prevent the unfortunate and unnecessary loss of lives like what happened to their comrades in many instances.
“This marked another step toward lasting peace and stability. Once again, I encourage the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) members to follow the decision of the four surrenderees and embrace the path and reconciliation,” Viray noted. (Photo courtesy to 36IB, PA/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
