IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - Military offensives launched by the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade led four communist New People's Army (NPA) terrorists (CNT) to surrender in Zamboanga del Norte.

Three CNTs voluntarily surrendered to the combined troops of 42nd Infantry (TAGAPAGTANGGOL) Battalion and 44th Infantry (AGILE N STABLE) Battalion in Barangay Tiogan of same municipality on May 14.

Lt. Col. Peter Garceniego Jr, Commanding Officer, 42IB identified the three as Dionesio Jaictin alias Dondon, an Executive Committee member of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC); Rodel Alawi alias Bunso and Maureen Ocnip alias Katty, both are members of the defunct Guerilla Front Feliciano Alpha.

"One of our former rebel is a relative of Alawi, who assisted us in establishing contact and negotiating their surrender," said Lt.Col. Garceniego.

Subsequently, the wife of Rolando Maglasang alias Mobin -- slain during the encounter last May 12 -- identified as Jenelyn Lapas alias Em-em, former finance officer of defunct Guerilla Front BBC, initially surrendered to 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion in Barangay Midatag, Leon B Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte on May 15.

"The immediate assistance we can give Em-em today is to give her an opportunity to grieve for the loss of her husband, Mobin, who is now just added to the statistics of Filipinos died due to this futile armed stuggle," said Lt.Col. Jo-ar Herrera, Commanding Officer, 53IB.

The four CNTs are part of the combined remnants of the defunct units of the WMPRC that was engaged by government forces on a series of encounters last May 5, 9 and 12, 2022 in the municipality of Leon Postigo.

"Our troops have immediately provided medical assistance and tended to their needs such as food and clothing," said Lt.Col. Filven Noche, Commanding Officer, 44IB.

The 102Bde and its units are now facilitating the documentary requirements for their enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

"We appreciate that Em-em and others finally dediced to choose the better path and returned to the folds of law," said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102Bde.

"This is a manifestation of our commitment together with our stakeholders in the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 9 to save as many victims of communist ideology while sustaining our military posture to protect and insulate our communities from their terroristic acts," Brig.Gen. Nicolas added.

The former rebels will receive Php15,000 immediate cash assistance and Php50,000 livelihood assistance once their enrollment to E-CLIP has been completed.