CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte -- One regional staff of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and one armed member of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16C (SYP-16C) voluntary surrender to 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) on Sunday, April 2, amid the communist-terrorist group's 54th commemoration of its founding.
Said CTG members were identified as Roselyn C. Sampayan (alias Sarah/Osang), regional staff of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) and member of Sentro de Grabedad (SDG16), Weakened Guerilla Front 16 (WGF16), NEMRC, and Juliet N. Sampaga (alias Marjun), armed member of SYP16C, WGF16, NEMRC.
The surrenderees brought with them one AR18 Rifle with one magazine loaded with five rounds ammunition.
They chose to surrender because of the lack of support as a result of the relentless military operations and the surrender of the movement’s mass supporters. Aside from suffering extreme hunger and fatigue, they wanted to live life normally with their loved ones and without having to fear for their security.
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Cresencio C. Gargar, commander of the 29IB, said, “Among gikalipay ang pagbalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno nila Osang ug Marjun tungod aduna na usab kinabuhi nga atong nasalbar. Atoa silang tabangan nga makadawat sa hinabang gikan sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) alang sa ilang maayong kaugmaon (We are happy because Osang and Marjun decided to return to the folds of the law and we were able to save their life. We will help them avail of the benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for their peaceful and better future)."
Gargar also called the remaining NPAs who are still in the mountains. “I know most of your plans have already been frustrated, even your yearly celebration. And I know also that most of you are tired already, fighting for an ideology which may be vague and unclear to you. Please listen to us. The promises made to you were pure lies and will do no good to you or your family. Abandon it. Your fellow fighters have surrendered already, evidence that there is truly a way out of there," the official said.
"Leave that evil organization, and surrender now. The government is waiting for you to come back and is extending its arms to support you in your desire for a better life with your family,” LTC Gargar added. (29th Infantry Battalion, PA/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
