THE DISINTEGRATION and downfall of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon continues as another NPA combatant and a Militia ng Bayan (MB) surrendered to the 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion (88IB) in Maramag, Bukidnon.
Operating under Company Thunder Guerilla Front 6 (GF6), Sub-Regional Committee 2 - Northern Central Mindanao Regional Command (SRC2-NCMRC), both surrendered on Sunday, January 26 around 8:00 in the morning.
They were identified as Saldy Manlus-ag alias “Jack,” 27 years old, Team Leader of Squad 3, Sentro de Grabidad, Company Thunder GF6 and Lito Umbak alias “Longhair,” 40 years old, Militia ng Bayan of the same group who reside in Barangay Dao, San Fernando town. They surrendered without firearms.
Alias Jack in dialect said “Sa pagkadungog ko sa balita nga ang among kanhing Kumander sa GF6 boluntaryong mitugyan sa iyang kaugalingon sa gobyerno, nakaamgo dayon ko nga ang pag-apil sa grupo usa ka dako nga sayop. Mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa gobyerno sa pag-abiabi kanamo bisan kung kaniadto kami mga kaaway.” (When I heard the news that our commanders [alias Jigger or War] of GF6 voluntarily surrendered to the government, I realized that joining the group was a great mistake. I am very grateful to the government for welcoming us though we were once enemies.)
This January, 12 high-ranking NPA rebels surrendered to the 88IB. It started when GF6’s Front Secretary and Political Leader alias Jamby, and her party husband alias Jigger/War, the Commander or ‘Military Leader’ of the same group, submitted themselves to the local government officials of Valencia City through localized peace engagement.
The couple expressed willingness to help the government especially in addressing insurgency in their former areas that cover the towns of San Fernando, Quezon, Kitaotao, Maramag, Don Carlos, Dangcagan, and the city of Valencia all in Bukidnon province.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col Franklin F. Fabic, 88IB Commanding Officer, appreciated those rebels who are getting in on the act of FRs (former rebels) who surrendered in order to live a peaceful life.
“You are now in good hands, you made the right decision. You can now avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government. We are calling all the remaining members of GF6 to surrender now. The 88th Infantry "Maringal" Battalion is ready to help you start a new life with your families and attain just and lasting peace,” Ltc Fabic said. (By 88th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army )
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