SEPARATE clashes in Butuan City led 29th Infantry Battalion troops to the bodies of two communist guerrillas in the remote areas of Sitio Banbanon, Barangay Pianing, on Monday, July 7.
In the first encounter, which lasted about two minutes, following a tip-off from residents about the presence of armed men in the area. The clash resulted in the recovery of one M16 rifle.
Later that day, while conducting pursuit operations, government forces engaged in another armed encounter lasting five minutes. The clash resulted in the neutralization of an unidentified Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) and the recovery of one R4 rifle.
Meanwhile, in Surigao del Sur, five NPA remnants composed of three regular members and two Milisya ng Bayan (MB) brought seven high-powered firearms when they surrendered to the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division on July 4 and July 6.
The surrender was successfully facilitated by the 75th Infantry Battalion, under the 401st Infantry Brigade, in close coordination with intelligence units and the local populace.
According to the surrenderers, their decision to yield was driven by the emotional toll of being away from their families, as well as the extreme exhaustion and lack of food while in hiding.
Lieutenant Colonel Earl C. Pardillo, the newly installed commanding officer of 75IB, attributed the surrender to the sustained civil-military engagements, combined with pressure from the relentless, focused military operations.
“They have finally realized the futility of their senseless ideology. With our continued efforts and the constant support from communities, we are giving them a second chance at life – away from violence and fear through the help of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) where they will receive financial assistance, livelihood support, and other benefits to help them reintegrate into mainstream society,” he added.
Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of 4ID, welcomed the surrenderees of the NPA remnants, emphasizing the effectiveness of the whole-of-nation approach of the government in ending local communist armed conflict.
“This development is a testament to the effectiveness of our ongoing peace efforts and the collaborative partnership between our troops, different local government agencies, the residents of every peace-loving community in the region, and former rebels who are choosing the path of peace. We acknowledge the courage it takes for these individuals to leave behind a life of conflict and violence and return to the mainstream society. Their surrender not only weakens the NPA but also paves the way for lasting peace, security, and development in the region,” he said.
Photos courtesy of 4th Infantry Division
