CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – The government is winning the war against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan and Surigao provinces in Caraga region, according to the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine.
Licudine has lauded the efforts of combat maneuvering battalions, as well as the local government units (LGUs), for their all-out effort in working for the surrender of NPAs in the region.
The 402nd Brigade commander cited the surrender of more NPA regulars and supporters in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.
With the full support of the LGUs and leaders of the indigenous peoples (IPs), the field units – 23rd Infantry Battalion, (23rd IB), 26th IB and 36th IB, all under the operational control (Opcon) of 402nd Brigade based here, yielded several NPA regulars and supporters last week.
“The field units remarkable accomplishment last week are timely in view of the intensified campaign against the remaining NPAs that continue to weaken through the loss of support from communities,” claimed Licudine.
“We are indeed pleased and optimistic about the turnout of surrenderers orchestrated by our battalions through our Community Support Program (CSP),” he said.
“These were not made possible without the convergence efforts and support of the LGUs, the IP communities and peace partner stakeholders under the Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC),” Licudine pointed out.
The 402nd brigade commander emphasized that neutralization of NPA leaders, members and supporters is significant as it complements the efforts of the RTF-ELCAC in Caraga region and pave the way for them to provide interventions in order to address issues commonly exploited by the communist rebels especially in areas considered as geographical isolated, disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas (GIDCAs).
“While we are committed to relentlessly pursue the remaining Communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) who opted not to lay down their arms, we can assure them that the government particularly your Army is here and ready to assist former rebels and their families to transition in becoming productive members of the society,” Licudine said.
The 402nd Brigade commander urged the remaining NPA rebels to lay down their arms and avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and help the government achieve peace.
Licudine noted that 174 NPA members and supporters pledged loyalty to the government in two separate mass surrender ceremonies held on Thursday, August 20, in the towns of Carmen in Agusan del Norte and Talacogon in Agusan del Sur, also said 402nd Brigade Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr.
On Wednesday, August 19, 17 NPA fighters and supporters also returned to the fold of the law to the 36th IB in a ceremony held in the town of Madrid, Surigao del Sur.
“Some remaining NPA controlled areas continued to dwindle as numerous of its officers and members, including their mass base supporters already yielded to the government,” added the 402nd Brigade CMO officer.