Cabadbaran City, AGUSAN DEL NORTE- Following an armed encounter between the government troops and the members of the Communist Terrorist Group resulting to the seizure of 2 high powered firearms and killing of 1 top ranking CTG personality, four of its members surrendered to the Headquarters 29th Infantry “Matatag” at Brgy Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on April 22, 2022.
Colonel Jason M. Saldua, Commanding Officer of 29IB, identified the four CTG personalities as Joreb Antong, a CTG team leader, and a resident of Brgy Mahaba, Cabadbaran City; Junry Egom Gaan, a CTG team leader, and a resident of Sitio Tagkiling, Brgy Anticala, Butuan City; Cherry Mae Calinawan Maayo, a medical officer, and a resident of Brgy Mahaba, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; and Ejoy Egom Mabandos, a CTG combatant, and a resident of So. Tagkiling, Brgy Anticala, Butuan City.
The four CTG members surrendered to Col. Saldua and Lt.Col. Emerson De Vera Jr., Commanding Officer of 65th Infantry “Stalwart” Battalion, along with four improvised shotguns.
According to them, they wanted to live normal lives because they were tired of running and hiding from the successive combat operations conducted by the Army in the hinterlands of Cabadbaran City and Butuan City.
They added that they feared for their safety since they had heard of the death of a high ranking CTG leader during the armed encounter in the area last April 17, 2022.
“I know that the remaining CTG members are now struggling because of the scarcity of their food supply and resources due to civilians being aware on the government’s campaign to combat local communist insurgency under Executive Order No. 70. With our intensive information awareness campaign against the CTG, the people are now already enlightened about the enemy criminal and terroristic acts, that they have already declared the latter as “Persona Non-Grata,” said Colonel Saldua.
Colonel Saldua reiterated his call to the remaining members of the CTG to surrender to the authorities while there is time.
“I am calling on the remaining CTG members to lay down their weapons and surrender right now so that we can begin processing your Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program benefits. These benefits will help your family live a more harmonious and peaceful life. The government is always here, ready to help you achieve your goals and get back into mainstream society,” he added.
