9 rebels surrender, yield 6 firearms in Surigao Sur, Agusan Norte
PLACER, Surigao del Norte - With the relentless operations conducted by the 901st Brigade against Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in Caraga, a significant breakthrough occurred wherein nine communist- New People’s Army (NPA) - terrorists (CNTs) along with six firearms from the CTGs’ weakened guerilla front 30 (WGF30) and the Regional HQ (RHQ) of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) simultaneously surrendered on Saturday, March 9, 2024, to the 29th Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Norte and the 36th Infantry Battalion in Surigao del Sur, both under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade.
The CNTs, who became seriously tired and exhausted, expressed their desire to reunite with their families.
There were five CNTs from the RHQ NEMRC surrendered to Lieutenant Colonel Cresencio Gargar of 29IB, who go by the names Maria Sila Galupo a.k.a. Rod, Hanah Sarah Galupo a.k.a. Jane, Narlyn Conseugra a.k.a. Nadine, Manuel Nakira Jr. a.k.a. Nickel, and Urily Nakila a.k.a. Jean, who handed over their issued four firearms, which include two (2) M16 rifles, one AK47 rifle, and one grenade launcher. On the same day, four CNTs from the WGF30 surrendered to Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Viray of 36IB, namely Bernabe Pamad, a.k.a. Depor, Ronel Estano, a.k.a. Lito, Mary Koy Cuarteron, a.k.a. Grey, and Lito Montenegro, a.k.a. Judge, along with two firearms including one AK47 rifle and a caliber 45 pistol.
Said CNTs escaped from their groups due to fear of being hit by the continuous combat operations. Brigadier General Arsenio Sadural,Brigade Commander of the 901st Brigade, said that the massive surrender is a demonstration that the NEMRC is on the brink of collapse. He emphasized that the convergence of efforts by the government agencies in combating insurgency, along with the localized peace engagements, are the keys to this accomplishment. Along with the unending combat operations, CTGs no longer have a place to go, thus they end up surrendering rather than facing death.
“These remaining CNTs have no other option than to surrender to the government. We are now at the stage wherein insurgency is at its lowest point and nearest extinction. It's the right time to unite and embrace peace," Sadural added.
The government continues to make progress in its efforts to put an end to CTGs in Caraga Region. The 901st Brigade is the primary unit tasked with securing a large portion of Caraga while facilitating development and providing basic services to the people. (Cpt. Jonel G. Castillo, CMO Officer, 901stBde, 9ID, PA/PIA Caraga)
