CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental (PIA)– Two High-ranking Communist Terrorist Group-New People’s Army (CTG-NPA) personalities and a Medic surrendered through the negotiation efforts of the intelligence unit of the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB) under the 402nd Infantry “Stingers,” July 1.
The two high-ranking CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) were identified as Neiljan Pasague Legaspino, 29 years old, Golden Romania Compas Sr, 42 years old, and a regular member, Ariel Uba Compas, 27 years old, all under SRC1, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
They brought along with them one M16 improvised into a Sniper Rifle with magazines and ammunition; one Improvised Explosive Device (IED); two Blasting Caps, and a 10-meter detonating cord.
According to the surrenderers, the dismantling of Guerilla Front Huawei and Platoon Ryan of SRC1, NCMRC affected so much their leadership and ranks with no replacement which required shuffling of personnel that resulted in low morale and reduction of their resource generation. This added hardship to their living condition with not enough food for everyone and medicines for the sick prompted them to surrender and also the urge to start their own family.
“I have mentioned months ago that two of the NPA units are on the verge of collapse, and I am happy to inform you that these NPA units were officially declared dismantled with only less than squad size remaining members. These victories are highly attributed to the Whole of the Nation Approach as our collaborations with the stakeholders and other government forces in putting an end to insurgency in Misamis Oriental continues,” 58IB Commanding Officer Ricky L Canatoy said.
Canatoy added that given the current circumstances of the CTG-NPA forces in the province, they are anticipating that the remaining members will eventually return to the folds of the law in the coming days and weeks.
The surrenderers are currently at the battalion's headquarters, where they will be debriefed and processed to receive different government assistance such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (ECLIP), which will help them start a new life together with their families and return to mainstream society. (58IB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
