PLACER, Surigao del Norte – Three (3) regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who desired to have a peaceful life, voluntarily surrendered to LTC JASON M SALDUA, Commander of the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion stationed at Brgy Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte yesterday, February 5, 2022.
The NPA surrenderees were identified as Ligaya Aton Bihag alias Zhia, 27 years old, Vice Commanding Officer (VCO) and also the Political Instructor of SYP16B, GF16, NEMRC, with her father, Albert Elvaira Bihag Sr alias Jing, 53 years old, Milisya ng Bayan (MB) member of SYP19B, GF19, NEMRC and Jonathan Tiambong Aydao alias Dondon, 29 years old, armed member of SYP16A, GF16, NEMRC. The said surrenderees surrendered with them one (1) AK47 Rifle, one (1) Armscor Shotgun and one (1) Garand Rifle with scope.
In their statements, @Zhia said, “I pay heed to my mother’s advice to surrender for me to stop from hiding in the mountains and from always being hunt by the military. My experiences of feeling tired and fatigue while with the armed group pushed me to submit myself to the government authorities. Although I was completely indoctrinated, I have realized after all that the propaganda tactics being used by the NPA to entice civilians to join the revolutionary armed movement are nothing but full of lies and deception.” While @Dondon complained of suffering hunger, extra-fatigued and his longingness for his son caused him to decide to surrender, “I also dreamed of providing a better future for my family especially to my son”, @Dondon added.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General George L Banzon, Commander of 901st Infantry (Fight’ Em) Brigade extended his congratulation to the 29IB under the leadership of LTC JASON M SALDUA for their continued effort of inviting regular NPA members to surrender. He directed all his troops to capitalize on the information campaign on the government’s programs for former rebels, most especially to the families of identified NPA members.
“To the surrenderers, you have made the best decision in your life to totally abandon the armed struggle for if you have continued, all your efforts of fighting the government will go in vain. Re-unite with your families, start anew and live a peaceful life,” BGEN BANZON quoted in his concluding statement.
