NPA, CNT supporters surrender

By Jemin B. Guillermo / Philippine Information Agency

ILOILO CITY – Following the surrender of more than 400 Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) members and supporters earlier this year, the exodus back to government fold continues.

According to 301st Brigade Acting Civil-Military Operations Officer Capt. Ruel Llanes, one NPA regular and nine NPA in the barrio (Milisyang Bayan or MB) surrendered to the Community Support Program (CSP) Teams under 61st Infantry Battalion based in Miag-ao, Iloilo last May 6, 2021.

The five MB personalities are from Tubungan, Iloilo while the other four MBs are from Miag-ao, Iloilo.

Llanes said that all nine MBs are supporting the Southern Front of Kilusang Rehiyon – Panay or SF, KR-P.

“Aside from being a force multiplier, these individuals act as the eyes and ears of the enemy in their barangays to report on presence and movement of government security forces; and offer logistical support to the NPA,” he said in the Brigade’s press release.

Likewise, the active member of the NPA who surrendered was identified as Alias Agot, 24 years old and resident of Brgy Molina, Tubungan Iloilo.

Hardship and the realization of the meaningless revolution pushed Alias Agot, who was assigned under Sibat platoon of Southern Front, KR-P, to surrender to the government.

Turned over by the surrenderers to the 61st Infantry Battalion for proper disposition includes seven homemade shotguns with ammunition and magazine, one homemade cal. 45 pistol, and one homemade cal. 38 with ammunition.

Meanwhile, 301st Brigade commander, Brigadier General Marion Sison, has directed the 61IB to facilitate the transition of the surrenderers back to mainstream society by availing of livelihood benefits and other form of government assistance.

“The continuous surrender of members of the NPA and their supporters shows impact of the government’s campaign in ending local communist armed conflict. Through the united effort of the people of Panay and the Local Government Units, we see that indeed the end of communist terrorism is inevitable,” Sison said.

He added “Kaya patuloy ang pakikiisa ng 301st Infantry Brigade upang ang hangarin natin na tunay na kapayapaan ay ating maisakatuparan.” (PIA6/CMO-301Bde/Philippine Army)