6 more rebels in AgSur surrender to gov't
SAN LUIS, Agusan del Sur – Some three regular members and three Milisya ng Bayan (MB) members of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) voluntarily surrendered to the government bringing along with them their assorted firearms. They were warmly welcomed to the home of the Ever Onward troopers in Brgy. Mahayahay, San Luis, this province on August 28, 2023.
The six surrenderees were identified by their former comrades as alias Eman/Dos, regular member of sub-regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Sagay, sub-regional committee 3 (SRC3); alias Ramil, squad leader of Squad 1, headquarters force (HQF) Neo and alias Ren-ren, medic of HQF Neo, while the three others are MB members of SRSDG Sagay, SRC3 and headquarters loader, SRC2 all of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
They also surrendered one AK47 rifle; one M16 rifle; one M653 rifle and one KG-9 sub-machine gun with magazines and live ammunitions.
Their bad experiences, hardship and hunger due to scarcity on food, including the strong will to live peacefully with their families and loved ones fueled them to return to the folds of the law.
In an interview, alias "Ren-ren", expressed her feelings as she reminisces her troubled experience in the armed group by saying "Ako isip usa ka lumad ug walay hustong kinaadman, dali ra ako nahaylo sa mga pasalig ug nadani ngadto sa kalihukan sa nga kuno kami makigbisog aron ma protektahan ang yutang kabilin. Sa mga panahong ako nalambigit sa walhong grupo, nasinati ko ang ka kapoy ug tumang kagutom tungod ky wala nay igong pagkaon sige nalang tago-tago ug ang kahadlok alang sa akong kinabuhi. Maong ako, uban ang akong bana naninguha kami nga musibat sa kalihukan aron mahatagan ug maayong kinabuhi ang bata nga ania sa akong sabakan (Being vulnerable, I was easily convinced by the NPA group to join them and was deceived for a long time. During the duration that I stayed in the movement, I was exhausted and full of fear for my life. This is why, together with my husband, I took the chance to escape from the NPA group, so I can to provide a better future for my children),” she said.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Sandy R Majarocon, commanding officer of 26IB, gratefully welcomed the surrenderees for their fearless decision to surrender and abandon the terrorist movement.
"Kami nalipay sa inyong pag surender. Taliwala sa mga kalisod ug kasakit sa inyong mga kanisatian, nag ma isugon kamu sa pag sumite sa inyong kaugalingon ug pag-undang sa kalihokan nga walay kapuslanan ug alang sa pag puyo nga malinawon. Ang 26IB maningkamot sa pagtabang kaninyo para mahatag sa inyoha ang mga benepisyo gikan sa mga nagka lain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno (We are happy you surrendered. Despite difficulties you experienced, you were brave enough to surrender and put a stop on the senseless cause of the NPA movement and to live a peaceful life. The 26IN will do its best to help and provide your basic needs through the assistance of various government agencies),” he said.
The surrenderees will undergo various types of assessment and documentation prior to their enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government where these former rebels will be assisted in preparation for their reintegration into the mainstream society and be able to start a better and new life. (26IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
