CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Two high-ranking members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered with one firearm to the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion’s headquarters at Sitio Migbanday, Brgy. Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental last May 30, 2021.
The couple surrenderees were identified as alias Venus, a former political guide of Squad 1, and alias Rene, team leader of Squad 2, both from SDG SAMSUNG, Guerilla Front Huawei, Sub-regional Committee 1 of North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).
Alias Rene brought along with him one Garand rifle, and two clips of 30 cal. ammunition. According to him, he intended to surrender and seek government assistance for the wellbeing of their children, and that he had intended to join his old colleagues who had already returned to mainstream society for a long time. “Wala man tay kaugmaon ana. Mamatay ra man gihapon.” he recalls a fellow comrade telling him before their recent surrender, and it made an impression on him. And he reveals that it is indeed true that there is no other future in the revolution except death, as his wife, alias Venus was critically injured when she was wounded by a bullet during an encounter with the troops.
Meanwhile, alias Venus claims that she chose to surrender because of their children. “Gusto pa ko katan-aw sa akong mga anak na mudako. Ug wala ko naigo sir, dili gyud nako mahuna hunaan, dili ko mag surrender.” She then explains that individuals in higher positions’ political progranda include anyone who surrenders will be good as dead meat or immediately be put to prison. That is why, even though many NPA combatants in the hinterlands want to go down in peace and surrender, they are hesitant to do so for fear of their commanders fabricating false claims.
Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer, 58IB, lauded alias Rene and alias Venus on their decision to surrender, recognizing their bravery and courage in leaving the revolutionary movement. He also hopes that the remaining NPA members in MisOr would do the same.
“Come down now and accept the government’s programs and services that are being provided to you. This is for your own good and the good of your families’ futures. Surrender right now and begin living in peace within your communities,” Lt. Canatoy ended.
Alias Rene and his wife, alias Venus, are presently in the custody of 58IB until their enrollment to E-CLIP is processed.
