Another 2 CTG’s Militia ng Bayan surrender to 65IB in AgSur
SIBAGAT, Agusan del Sur - Through the continuous conduct of intensified military operations of the 65th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion, under the operational control of 901st Infantry (Fight 'Em) Brigade, have led to another surrender of two (2) CTG's militia on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.
The said surrenderers were both members of the People's Militia (Militia ng Bayan or MB) under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Westland of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) operating in the boundaries of Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte.
Following
the surrender, said MB led the troops of 65IB to an arms cache which contained
two (2) M16 Rifles with magazines and several ammunitions buried at the
hinterlands of Brgy Tagbongabong, Remedios T Romualdez, Agusan del Norte.
It
can be recalled that a few weeks ago, four CTG members with firearms
also surrendered to 65IB because of hardship and their resentment against the
CTG’s false promises. While, just recently, another three CTG members with high
powered and low powered firearms decided to surrender out of fear of the
successive operations.
The
efforts of 65IB through the focused military operations, the engagement of all
family members of the CTG and the series of Civil Military Operations
activities have resulted in the surrender of seven CTG members and two MBs
bringing along with them a total of eight firearms in a period of less than two
months.
65IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Emerson P. De Vera said that the two MBs are residents of a hinterland barangay in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur and revealed that they decided to abandon the armed struggle after witnessing other surrenderers were not harmed, well taken cared of and treated with utmost respect by the 65IB.
"They
realized that the organization they were strongly supporting has led them to a
miserable life and will never bring a bright future for them. With that, they
are fighting for a lost cause with no sense of direction." Lt. Col. De
Vera said.
Lt.
Col. De Vera added that the 65IB will relentlessly continue its drive against
the terrorists and urged the remaining CTG members to lay down their arms and
finally abandon the senseless armed struggle.
"Rest
assured that the 65IB will strictly adhere and respect on human rights and
international humanitarian law. We shall provide and continuously facilitate
needed assistance for all former rebels under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local
Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government. Various assistance and programs
will be given to those who will decide to return to the peaceful path and take
the chance to return to mainstream society with their family and loved
ones," Lt. Col. De Vera added. (65IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
