BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- Two high-value individuals (HVIs), one political instructor, and six regular members of the Former Guerilla Front 4A (FGF 4A) of the CNTs (CPP-NPA Terrorist) in Agusan del Norte abandoned the hopeless cause of the communist movement and surrendered to the Army’s 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), recently.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Commanding Officer of 23IB, welcomed the surrender of the three leaders and members of the CNTs. They have been living in misery due to the relentless focused military operations and the loss of their mass bases caused by withdrawal of support of their underground mass supporters.

On Sept. 4, the 23IB troopers encountered around 15 CNTs in the hinterlands of Barangay Jaguimitan, Nasipit town. Likewise, on Sept. 6, another clash against the same group took place in Barangay Guinabsan of Buenavista town. The series of encounters resulted to the recovery of five high-powered firearms, two anti-personnel mines, and assorted war materials. 

Lt Col. Paulo identified the surrenderers as Khim Agad Mapoy @PATRICK, Front Secretary, Loreto Agad Mapoy Jr @ARVIN, commanding officer of Platoon Joker, Rolando Morata @PANG of Platoon Diego, FGF4A, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) and six regular members, all of FGF 4A, NCMRC.

“Based on their testimonies, life inside the movement nowadays is very difficult. Aside from losing their mass support, the remnants of FGF 4A are hungry and tired as our troops unrelentingly pursue them through focused military operations. There is no other option for them but to lay down their arms and return peacefully to their families and communities,” Lt Col. Paulo said.

He added that through the massive information drive of the 23IB in communities, the remaining FGF 4A members realized the harmonious and prosperous lives being enjoyed by their former comrades through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government.

Col. Adonis Ariel Orio, Commander of 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade said that the series of encounters followed by the surrenders of these leaders and members are the results of the persistent reports from the residents in the area who are being terrorized by the CNTs.

“We will still continue our military operations in the area to fulfill our mandate of protecting the people against the senseless harassments and spates of terrorism that gravely affect the lives of the innocent,” Col. Orio said.

The surrenderees were also presented to Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, and Maj. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, together with the four Brigade Commanders of 4ID. During the surrender, they also handed over to the government eight (high-powered firearms and low-powered firearms.

In his statement, @PATRICK, the former Front Secretary of FGF 4A narrated their difficulties as they continue to evade and hide from the pursuing 23IB troopers.

He added that they could no longer hole up in communities as hundreds of their mass supporters have already disconnected from the communist movement and pledged loyalty to the government.

“These remaining members of FGF 4A formally cut-off their ties from the terrorist movement due to suffered casualties, hunger, and hardships that made them incapable to accomplish their planned recovery efforts in the area. Furthermore, they wanted to surrender because of their longings to be with their families,” Lt Col. Paulo said. (2Lt. Angel Grace M. Sebelina, CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)