NPA leader, 7 other rebels surrender to the Philippine Army

By Ana-Liza Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur --- The 9th Infantry “Spear” Division Commander Major Alex Luna cannot help but be grateful for the support being shown by the Bicolanos as more and more Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members are heeding the government’s call to return to the folds of the law.

Just recently, 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) Commander Lt. Col. Orlando Ramos Jr., confirmed that the Commanding Officer of the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) from Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 4, and the Bicol Regional Party Committee (L2, KP4, and BRPC) was among the surrenderees who brought down their arms and sought the army’s help.

With him were 7 other CTG members who expressed disgust over the CTG’s unending terroristic acts. They also turned in one carbine rifle, three cal. 38 revolvers, one cal. 357 pistol, one cal. 45 pistol, one homemade shotgun, and one KG45 sub-machine gun. A carbine rifle was surrendered by their commanding officer.

CTG surrenderees from Masbate turned over 2 carbine rifles, three cal. 38 revolvers, one cal. 357 pistol, one cal. 45 pistol, one homemade shotgun, and one KG45 sub-machine gun. (Photo credits: DPAO, PA)

This development sends a good signal that the government is winning its war to bring peace to the land.

“Ako po ay labis na nagagalak sa patuloy na paglobo ng bilang ng mga sumusukong miyembro ng CTG. Binabati ko po ang walong nagbalik loob ngayong araw, hindi kayo nagkamali ng desisyon. Naway magsilbi ulit itong halimbawa sa mga natitira pang armado na naghihirap sa kabundukan. Sa mga Bicolano ang JTF Bicolandia po ay patuloy n nagpapasalamat sa walang sawang pag suporta at pagtulong ninyo upang matuldukan ang insurhensiya sa Bicol,” MGen Luna said.

In a press statement, Division Public Affairs Office Spokesperson Major John Paul Belleza said that MGen Luna expressed his desire to continue its peace campaign by convincing the remaining CTGs to return to their families and be part of the society.

MGen. Luna added, “Sa mga natitira pang armado na nagtitiis ng gutom sa kabundukan at malayo sa kanilang mga pamilya, hindi pa huli ang lahat.”

903rd Infantry Brigade Commander, BGen. Aldwine Almase, also expressed elation at the support being extended by the communities.

“Ang 903rd Brigade po ay natutuwa na nagpapasalamat sa mga tao na patuloy na sumusuporta laban sa kampanya natin sa insurhensiya, lalo na sa mga kapamilya at mga kaibigan ng mga nagbalik loob,” Almase added.

CTG surrenderees continue to increase their number and cite restiveness as to where their ideology is leading them.

MGen Luna said that the government will not close its doors to those who want to lead a new life and join the government in the attainment of the Army’s core purpose: “Serving the People, Securing the Land.”

CTG surrenderees from Albay and Juban in Sorsogon recently surrendered last June and September. They also handed over high-powered firearms to the army. (With reports from DPAO MJPBelleza-PIA5/Camarines Sur)