CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Seven (7) CPP NPA Terrorists (CNTs) bringing five (5) high-powered firearms surrendered to troops of the 8th Infantry Battalion under the 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division led by Brigadier General Michele B. Anayron Jr. through the successful negotiation of the members of the Modified Community Support Program (MCSP) Team deployed at Sitio Ulayanon, Brgy. Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on May 24.
Said CNTs were identified as Tataw Manghomosay Tingkayan, 65 years old; Erna Panhayan Tingkayan, 58 years old; Crisanto Borgios Ligayna, 52 years old; Jodelyn Castillo, 50 years old; Crisante Mantadayun Ligayna, 23 years old; Gena Abansa Altuhan, 20 years old; and Jonardo Manabudan Mantadayun, 19 years old, all members of the Headquarters Force NEO of the so-called North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the communist terrorist group (CTG) mainly operating in the province of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and some parts of Caraga region.
“Their decision to surrender came after experiencing extreme exhaustion and hunger due to successive focused military operations in the area, as they no longer receive ample support from their former mass bases. After the successful negotiations of the MCSP, we successfully extracted the CNTs from Sitio Malungsagay, Brgy. Minalwang in Claveria, Misamis Oriental through the joint efforts of the 23rd Infantry Battalion,” Lieutenant Colonel Marc Bien Stevens J. Deslate, Commanding Officer of the 8IB said.
Lt. Col. Deslate with BGen. Anayron Jr. presented today, May 24, the seven (7) surrenderees with their five (5) high-powered firearms, composed of (4) M16 Rifles and one (1) AR18 Rifle, to Hon. Rogelio Niel P. Roque, Provincial Governor of Bukidnon, and Hon. Anthony A. Uy, City Mayor of Malaybalay City with the media from Bukidnon.
In his message, Governor Roque expressed his gratitude to the CNTs for embracing the opportunity to start a new and peaceful life. A significant development that signifies peace and development is of paramount importance and at the forefront of a progressive and developed province. He also assured the returnees of the benefits they would enjoy under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). “Once again, thank you for your trust in returning to the government. If you endured 40 years of rebellion, hopefully, you can endure 3 years living with the government, and see the government’s livelihood program become successful,” He added.
Said CNTs were in addition to the number of CTG members who heed the government’s call for peace and reconciliation for May 2024, after the surrender of a CTG regional high-ranking officer, Randy Bayot alias Kap/Gov and 43 others who were presented to the public on May 8 along with their 41 high-powered firearms.
In a statement, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commander of 4ID, expressed his appreciation to the CNTs for displaying full cooperation and abandoning the senseless ideology of the CTG.
“As you embrace the path to peace and start a new chapter of your lives, we assure you of the benefits that the government has promised under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Together with the continuous efforts of our ground troops, the support of the civilian populace, and the programs implemented by line agencies under Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, we aim to totally defeat the CTG at the soonest possible time, and maintain the peace and development in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions,” MGen. Cuerpo added.
