CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Following the surrender of six (6) CPP-NPA-NDF members in Bukidnon last Sunday, another group of 11 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) have given up fighting and surrendered to the Army troops at Brgy Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon on Wednesday, November 17.
Citing demoralization within their ranks, 11 CNTs including one (1) child-soldier of Guerilla Front (GF) Malayag under Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) voluntarily surrendered to the combined elements of 88th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence unit, and the 3rd Infantry Battalion.
The surrenderers are identified as Michael B Mantikinon alias Kimay, Commanding Officer (CO) of Front Operations Command (FOC) of GF Malayag; Irish B Arcayan alias Trixie, Political Instructor (PI) and party wife alias Kimay; Garry B Mantikinon alias Mikmik, Team Leader Alpha (TLA), Squad 2, GF Malayag; Rimmel R Medado, alias Jerome, Security Officer (SO), Squad 2, GF Malayag; Sitoy Gamot alias Dave, Team Leader Bravo (TLB), Squad 2, GF Malayag; James Abaton alias Paling, Vice CO (VCO) of Platoon 2, GF Malayag; Tisoy Tormis alias Jeckboy, Team Leader (TL), Squad 1, GF Malayag; Okaris Gibangon alias Tambok, Medic Squad 2, GF Malayag; Juvelyn Arellano alias Maymay, Medic, Squad 1, GF Malayag; Shiela Manaay alias Ella, Security Officer (SO), Squad 2, GF Malayag; and Benjamin O Arcayan alias Frenz, Team Leader Alpha (TLA), SRSDG Peddler.
Five (5) M16A1 rifles and one (1) M203 Grenade Launcher, as well as explosives and ammunitions, were also surrendered by the CNTs. They admitted that losing their leaders and the continuous focused military operations of the 4ID troops forced them to flee, and prevented them to organize and recruit in an attempt to regain control and influence over their target barangays.
Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr, Commander of the 4ID, declared that GF Malayag is virtually dismantled as the surrenderers were the only remaining members and leaders in the group.
MGen Brawner Jr stated that it is the final blow that will end GF Malayag, as the surrenderers have chosen to abandon the armed struggle. The arrest of alias Migs, their Guerilla Front Secretary, the death of veteran CTG leader, Ka Oris, and the surrender of the Vice CO of SRC2 and five (5) others eventually led to their decision to surrender.
MGen Brawner Jr also added that GF Malayag is under SRC2 of the NCMRC, that led by Bernie M Sinunta alias Boboy, the Intel Officer/Vice CO of SRC 2, who surrendered to 88IB last Sunday, the same group that the 6 CNTs belong to.
It can be recalled that GF Malayag has suffered major defeats after 2 encounters with the government troops last September 8 and 10 that resulted in 4 CNTs killed, 14 captured, and 22 firearms siezed. The group’s woes was even aggravated when their leader, Ramil Banawan alias Migs/Kim/Edukaw was arrested together with Marcelito Bandigan alias Niks/Raymond, the Team Leader of Squad 1, last October 25 this year.
“I am elated with this very significant development because this is the result of our relentless campaign against the said terrorist group in the Pantaron Mountain Ranges covering Malaybalay City, San Fernando, and Cabanglasan Bukidnon. I commend the 88IB and 403rd Brigade, as well as the intelligence units, for another victory. They worked tirelessly with civilians in order to attain this success,” MGen Brawner Jr said.
“On the other hand, we welcome Ka Kimay’s decision to heed the government’s call for peace. We have proven to them the Army’s professionalism and respect for human rights. Your Army has been true to its commitment to ensure the safety of those who surrender. They will be provided with necessary assistance under the E-CLIP, and help them build their lives anew with their loved ones,” MGen Brawner Jr added.
MGen Brawner Jr underlined the significant milestone that not only the people of Bukidnon have longed for but by all peace-loving people, hence, they can live peacefully after several years of being threatened and exploited.
“This is history in the making. Bukidnon will finally be free from the clutches of the CPP-NPA-NDF. Truly, the end of Communist Terrorist Group in Bukidnon is happening. Meanwhile, we will exploit our gains and intensify our military operations. This is the best time to push further and harder in order to finally eradicate the whole NCMRC and continue our pivot against the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) in the Caraga region,” MGen Brawner Jr added.
