CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Three CPP-NPA terrorists have welcomed the new year 2023 and embraced a peaceful life as they surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, at its Headquarters in Purok 4, Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, on Sunday, January 1, 2023.
The unit’s intensified military operations, support of the locals, and strengthened partnership with the Local Government Units and tribal leaders significantly contributed to the voluntary surrender of the three members of Sentro de Gravidad Guerilla Front- 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (SDG16, NEMRC) namely, Maximo “Joey” Fuentes Vibas Sr., and his live-in partner, Jennifer “Angel” Tuson Gagbo and Nelboy “DJ” Nanoy Yubos who brought along a 5.56mm Magpul rifle.
Said CNTs also revealed and pinpointed two sites of arms cache resulting in the capture of seven (7) High-powered firearms: five (5) M16 rifles, one (1) M4 rifle, and one (1) 40mm Grenade Launcher in the vicinity of Manhupao Complex, Agusan del Norte.
The surrenders have lamented the longingness for their families, the fear for their lives, as well as the lies and false promises of their leaders that fueled them to abandon the terrorist organization and stop fighting the government.
4ID Commander Major General Wilbur C Mamawag commended the surrenders for giving peace and changing the direction of their lives anew. The local folks and partner agencies who supported the peace campaign, he said, were instrumental in the successful negotiations, which fall under the whole-of-nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict.
“The decision of the surrenders is a welcome development after the death of its founding leader, which left a vacuum and lack of direction of the communist terrorist group. This is also a manifestation of a promising new year wherein an opportunity for peace is forthcoming and the looming end of the CTG. I urge everyone to help reach out to our misguided brothers and sisters. This is the perfect time to surrender and reunite with their family to greet the New Year 2023 with a peaceful life,” said MGen Mamawag.
