TALACOGON, AGUSAN DEL SUR – Six (6) remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating in the hinterlands of San Luis and Esperanza, Agusan del Sur surrendered to the 26th Infantry Battalion led by Lt Col Sandy Majarocon on September 25, 2022.
Following the surrender of their leader, Badong Lipanda alias “Reymund”, CO of Platoon Banglas, Sub-Regional Committee 3, NCMRC last September 17, 2022, six more members yielded to the operating troops of this battalion bringing along six (6) high powered firearms composed of three (3) AK47 rifles, two (2) M16A1 rifles, one (1) Garand rifle, magazines and live ammunitions.
Just like the previous surrender of the commander, the remaining members have shared their chaotic experiences in joining the terrorist movement. The tiring days of evading the Focused Military Operations, very little food supply, and the loss of mass support have demoralized each member that resulted in disunity among their ranks. “Mapasalamaton ming dako sa 26IB sa ilang pagdawat sa amua, sa pagtabang nga kami makabalik sa sabakan sa atong gobyerno, ug sa pagpasaylo nila sa amuhang mga kanhi nabuhat mahitungod sa sayop nga ideyolohiya nga gitudlo sa amua sauna”, Mama Inolato alias “Jab” said during an interview.
Likewise, Lt Col Sandy R Majarocon, Commanding Officer of this unit, welcomed the surrenderees. He commended them for choosing now the path of peace, reconciliation, and rule of law. He also thanked the IP leaders and families of former rebels for helping the military in encouraging them to surrender. “Maayong pag-abot sa atong mga kaigsuonan nga ni-surrender. Manghinaut ko nga tinud-anay kining inyong pagbalik sa sabakan sa atong panggamhanan. Usa kini ka dako nga kahigayonan aron kamo magkinabuhi sa kalinaw ug gawasnon uban ang inyong tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya ug mga mahal sa kinabuhi”, Lt Col Majarocon said.
The surrender of the six remaining CNTs will finally put an end to Platoon Banglas, SRC3 and the atrocities conducted by the said group for the past many years.
Presently, the six (6) surrenderees are undergoing assessments, documentation, and counseling in preparation for their enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
