By Francis Wakefield
Three Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists surrendered to troops of the Army's Eighth Infantry Battalion (8IB) at Brgy Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon on Friday, (November 9, 2018).
(MANILA BULLETIN)
One of those that surrendered was a regular NPA terrorist and was identified as Alias Dave, 22. He brought along with him his M79 Grenade Launcher.
The others were members of Milisyang Bayan and were identified as Alias Darwin, 28, and Alias Aidel, 25, who brought one Uzi sub-machine gun and one Magnum 22 with live ammunitions, respectively.
They used to belong to the Guerilla Front Committee 4B of the CPP-NPA.
“All surrenderees from the start of our campaign were results of our Community Support Program (CSP) team deployments. People in our priority areas are now aware of the CPP-NPA's true intentions and that they do not want to take part in their failed armed struggle anymore.” Lt. Col. Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th IB, said.
Illana said the 8th IB includes information dissemination on the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) during their CSP deployment.
“The 8th IB has been exerting efforts in order to inform the populace in the hinter barangays of the different programs of the government. Programs that can address the issues that are the primary reason for the NPA terrorists’ recruitment," he said.
Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, the Fourth Infantry Division Commander, said they have been putting emphasis also on E-CLIP, in order for the regular NPAs and Milisyang Bayan to avail if they decide to surrender and lay down their arms.
"Moreover, it is not yet too late to decide in going back to the folds of the law. I am sure, you wanted to spend Christmas with your loved ones and families at home. 4ID units will help you in going back to your families in order to spend the Christmas together," Villanueva said.