CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Army 58th Infantry Battalion (IB) said on Saturday, Sept. 3, that two guerilla fronts of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Misamis Oriental have been dismantled.
“I have mentioned months ago that three of the NPA units are on the verge of total collapse and I am happy to inform you that two of these NPA units were officially declared dismantled with only less than squad size remaining members and the other is for final deliberation for dismantling,” said Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, 58th IB commanding officer, in a statement.
Canatoy said taken down were Guerilla Front Huawei and Platoon Ryan of Guerilla Front Motorola, both from the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 1, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
The Platoon Falcon of SRC-1, NCMRC is for final deliberation for dismantling after its active members were reduced to eight, the 58th IB commanding officer said.
The announcement was made following the surrender of another two communist rebels in Misamis Oriental to the 58th IB Thursday, Sept. 1. They yielded one M16 rifle.
The 58th IB identified them as Ednineo Basadre Oyan, alias “Jonel” and “Blake,” 21, supply officer, and Elvina Sagahay Hilogon, alias “Nix,” 22, both from Platoon Falcon, SRC-1, NCMRC.
According to them, their constant hiding, hunger, and corruption among their leaders drove them to abandon the armed struggle and the desire to start their own families.
Troops are anticipating that other members of the NPA will surrender due to their hampered sources and continuous military operations.
“Because they are constantly on the move, always tired and weary, the entry of their resources such as food and money are being blocked and hampered, and our troops are constantly conducting operations,” Canatoy said.
The surrenderers are undergoing custodial debriefing and processing for their inclusion in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government.