SAPANG DALAGA, Misamis Occidental (PIA)--As a significant step in pursuit of peace in the province, three GF Sendong Fighters, Juanito Gumelos Jalalon "Gino," Jenela Tomobo Minguay "Rica," and Renie Ansigue Lobitaña, known as "Jeboy," surrendered to the 10th Infantry Battalion at P-3, Barangay Salimpuno, Sapang Dalaga, here.
Gino bore a gunshot wound on his left forearm, a painful reminder of an armed encounter dating back to January 30, 2022, in Barangay Bagong Silang, Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental. Meanwhile, Jeboy carried his own scars—a gunshot wound on his right forearm from a recent encounter on February 2, 2023.
Their decision to surrender is driven by profound and compelling factors deeply ingrained in their humanity.
Among these factors are the failure of the New People's Army (NPA) to provide adequate medical care for their wounded comrades; food shortages were prevalent among NPA ranks, with only the leadership receiving sufficient provisions; and the constant threat of military operations and a life on the run had taken a toll on them, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion.
The surrender was a significant development due to the unwavering commitment of the Philippine Army to achieving lasting peace in the province.
This also highlighted the success of intensified civil-military operations conducted by 10IB.
Notably, Resolution No. 513-22, enacted on September 19, 2022, under the esteemed leadership of Governor Henry S. Oaminal, has played a pivotal role in offering financial assistance to local communists within the province who chose the path of peace.
The 10IB has meticulously disseminated the existence and provisions of the resolution across all available platforms, effectively reaching and resonating with the armed groups in the province.
This comprehensive dissemination strategy has greatly contributed to their decision to surrender, as they became aware of the government's sincere intentions to foster peace, unity, and development.
LTC Jose Andre Monje, the 10th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer, emphasized the Philippine Army's steadfast commitment to fostering a peaceful environment.
He strongly encouraged other members of the Guerilla Front Sendong to follow the path of peace and reintegrate into society.
BGen Elmer Suderio, the 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander, meanwhile calls upon the NPA members still hiding to lay down their arms and embrace a peaceful life.
He underscores the government's willingness to provide various support programs to assist their integration into mainstream society. He instructs the troops to provide the best possible medical care to any wounded NPA members, marking a shift from adversaries to potential partners in the quest for peace.
Further, MGen Antonio Nafarrete, commander of Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN, extends an appeal to the remnants of Guerilla Front Sendong to surrender.
He promises to provide care and assistance to any wounded members through the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).
He also calls upon the public to remain vigilant and collaborate towards achieving lasting peace in Misamis Occidental. (10IB/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
