Rebel group loses 10 members, 14 firearms in Agusan Norte
BUTUAN CITY -- The New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan del Norte faced another setback after one member of the NPA surrendered and revealed the location of the six high-powered firearms to the 23rd Infantry Battalion, Operational Control unit of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade at H23IB, Jamboree Site, P-6, Brgy. Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on February 1, 2024.
Also, series of armed encounters recently transpired between the 23IB and the remnants of Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG), Sagay, Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC-3) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) that resulted in the neutralization of the 10 NPA members, seizure of high-powered firearms and other personal belongings.
Consequently, in more than two weeks time, another NPA member identified as Jerome Amparo Marapao alias Mark, a medic of the Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG), Sagay, Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC-3) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) surrendered to 23IB, and revealed the location of the firearms that were hidden at Sitio Malambago, Brgy. Sangay, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Subsequently, a follow through operation was conducted which resulted in the discovery of six AK47 rifles, one cal. 45 pistol, and other war materials.
According to alias Mark, their hardships were tremendous, and the sacrifices often seemed endless. Also, he realized that the ideology he once embraced failed to align with the pursuit of genuine progress and unity he had long been fighting for. This proved that the relentless focused military operations of the 402Bde and 23IB have triumphed against the dwindling forces of the local insurgents in the Province of Agusan del Norte.
Brigadier General Adonis Ariel G Orio, commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade said, “Many of NPA members are now following the call for a long-lasting and genuine peace that further weakens the NPA organization. However, the 402nd Infantry Brigade will not cease to intensify our operations to track and pursue the remaining rebels here in Agusan del Norte and in the rest of our area of responsibility. We will stay vigilant as we urge you to abandon the armed struggle, rebuild your family in happiness and without fear.” (Cpt. Ronan L. Salarda, CMO officer, 402IB/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
