8 senior rebels surrender in Bukidnon

DAVAO CITY - The Philippine military said eight senior members of the communist rebel group New People’s Army have surrendered in the southern province of Bukidnon, a known hotbed of insurgency in Mindanao.

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City, said the rebels surrendered on Tuesday, January 3, to the members of the 1st Special Forces Battalion.

He identified the rebels as Noel Sinanday, a squad leader; Rady Kinoyog, a political instructor;  Jertolui Hilario, a political guide; Jilmar Dahinlay, a squad 1 team leader; Nickboy Sinanday, a squad 3 team leader; Roselyn Omandam, a platoon medic; Maricel Colawing, a squad 1 medic; and Jenelyn Palta, a squad 3 medic.

Almerol said the rebels belonged to the Platun IPAD, Sub-Regional Committee 5 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. “They yielded through the efforts of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, under the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division in Bukidnon province,” he said.

The rebels, according to Almerol, also led soldiers in retrieving three AK47 rifles, three M16A1 rifles, an M14 rifle, one improvised explosive device, several magazines, various ammunition, and assorted medical supplies Wednesday, January 4.

Almerol said the death of Communist Party of the Philippines Founder Jose Maria Sison last year has increased the demoralization among the NPA, which convinced the rebels to surrender peacefully.

“The loss of their highest leader has critically affected the morale of the communist terrorist group. Without Sison’s direction and leadership, the CPP-NPA will suffer. That is why their remnants are yielding, even as 2023 has just started because they know the disaster the communist terrorist group is heading,” Almerol said.

He was referring to the 83-year communist chieftain who died on December 17 in The Netherlands after a two-week confinement in a hospital. Despite his death, communist rebel leaders vow to continue to wage war.

“With this situation, we expect more of their comrades to surface and lay down their arms. Thus, we are reiterating our call for them to surrender without hesitation as the freedom and benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration are waiting upon their return,” Almerol said.

Just recently, three NPA rebels - Maximo Vibas Sr., a squad Leader, and his partner Jennifer Gagbo; and Nelboy Yubos – also surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion in the village of Comagascas in Agusan del Norte's Cabadbaran City. They were all members of Sentro de Grabidad 16, Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee. (Mindanao Examiner)