CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City (PIA) – Nine high-ranking CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) leaders voluntarily surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) of the 403rd Infantry Brigade (403Bde) in Valencia City, Bukidnon, September 8.

403Bde Officer-In-Charge Ted B Dumosmog said that the longing to see their families and family pressure prompted them to come down. The surrenderors were Raquel N. Dahoyla, 41 yrs old; Joen V Morales, 30 yrs old; Daniel P Layanan, 23 yrs old; Mary Jean S Cololot, 28 yrs old; Nelbert Binungkasan, 26 yrs old; Warren A. Balanse, 30 yrs old; Walisa C Tinampakan, 28 yrs old; Marlon B Ampoan, 21 yrs old; and Rey N Unabia, 25yrs old.  They also turned in six (6) high-powered firearms consisting of three (3) M16 Rifles, two (2) AK47 Rifles, and one (1) M1 Carbine Rifle.

“Upon surrender, they were made to undergo medical check-ups before being processed at Valencia City Police Station. Indeed, it is fulfilling to assist and see returning misguided brothers reunited with their families,” Dumusmog added.

In a statement, 4ID Commander MGen. Wilbur C. Mamawag lauded the combined efforts of 1SFBn under Lt. Col. Roger Anthony Nuylan and the 403rd Brigade.

“We are now reaping the peace dividends of our convergence efforts under the Task Force ELCAC. We, therefore, encourage those remaining and hardened CTG members to listen to the cry of their left-behind families and to do not hesitate to follow their surrendering companions. The government has consistently demonstrated its sincerity to accept you back with better opportunities. It’s not yet too late.”  Mamawag said. 

Since January 2022, the 4ID has already assisted 186 former rebels transitioning toward normal lives under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). In the same period, 196 firearms were also surrendered. (4ID/PIA Misamis Oriental)