3 NPA members with 8 high-powered firearms yield in Agusan del Norte on New Year’s Day
The three Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) personalities were identified as Maximo Fuentes Vibas Sr., alias Joey, together with his live-in partner Jennifer Tison Gagbo alias Angel, and Nelboy Nanoy Yubos, alias DJ who brought along one (1) 5.56 Magpul rifle. The three are all regular members of the New People's Army’s Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) of the weakened Guerilla Front 16 of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee of Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID).
Alias Angel said, "Kapoy na sad kaayo magsige rag lihok sa kabukiran, gimingaw na kaayo mi sa among pamilya. Karon kay bag-ong tuig naman panahon na siguro aron magbag-o para sad sa akong pamilya." (I am too tired to continue moving in the mountains. I missed my family so much. Now that it is new year, I guess this is the right time to change for my family's sake).
During the initial interview, alias Joey said that they decided to surrender because they were already exhausted and experienced hunger due to the continuous military operations in the area and their food supplies had been cut off.
These newly surrendered NPAs are now at the custody of 29IB for further interview and processing of the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits due them.
BGen George L Banzon, PA, Commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade commend the troops of 29IB under the leadership of LTc Cresencio C Gargar, PA for their continuing effort in running after the remaining members of the terrorist NPA operating in the province of Agusan del Norte. “This accomplishment is another breakthrough in our relentless effort in pursuing the diminishing numbers of NPA following the series of neutralization of seasoned NPA cadres in the province."
“Your decision to submit yourselves to the government authorities is one of the best decisions you made in your life for you don’t know what would be your fate once you engage with the government troops pursuing after you," Banzon said to the former rebels.
"Once again, my plea to the remaining NPA members, do not waste your life getting involved in a fruitless armed conflict waged by communist terrorists. Abandon the armed struggle now while you still have time. We will not cease to go after you, we will intensify our focused military operation in the tri-boundary of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur where most of the remaining and remnants of weakened guerilla fronts in Caraga Region are currently hiding and seeking refuge as revealed by newly surrendered active NPA regulars, until the last NPA member will be caught or surrendered,” the General said in his closing statement. (901st Infantry Brigade, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
