MORE THAN 200 mass supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the soldiers of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Monday, Feb. 28.
Maj. Ronnel Legarde, the civil-military operations officer of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, said that the 206 mass supporters were composed of eight Sub- Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) remnants, six Militiang Bayan (MB), four Komiteng Rebolusyonaryo sa Munisipyo ( KRM), 168 Komiteng Rebolusyonaryo sa Barrio (KRB), two former teachers and 15 students of the Salugpongan School, five former Haran bakwits who were identified by the SRGU commander as still supporting the NPAs even after their return to Talaingod.
The military said that the brigade with its operational control units delivered the decisive finishing blow or coup de grâce to the NPA units in its area of responsibility with the conduct of the “community surrender” and the declaration of “pagsalikway” following the recent collapse of the SRC5, SMRC last month.
This was conducted after the surrender of the eight SRGU remnants and two MBs and recovery of ten high-powered firearms ( HPFAs).
The declaration of the “pagsalikway” is shown by performing the ritual of panubad-tubad with the offering of a live pig and marking their head with blood, as well as the signing of their declaration to turn away the NPAs.
On Feb. 27, the brigade conducted a healing and reconciliation program, together with the SRC5 leadership and the former UGMO members.
According to the military, the Sub-Regional Command (SRC) 5 was once considered the most advanced SRC in the region.
The SRC5 was the first to establish a KRM in the Philippines in 2004. The military arm was composed of three Guerilla Fronts (GFs) and one Sub-regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) supported by 3 Pulang Bagani Command (PBC).
Moreover, the SMRC situated its headquarters in 2012-2018. It was able to implement the maximum AGREV in 1994 and the “Taktikang Bakwit” in Haran in 1994 and 2014.
Also, it was able to create recruitment schools such as the Salupongan Ta Tanu Igkanugon Learning Center (STTILC) and Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI), the military added.
These schools were able to contribute to the national and international urban mass movement campaigns against the government.
On Jan. 13, after the series of encounters in Talaingod and Kitao-tao, Bukidnon, the SRC5 leadership finally surrendered.
A total of 12 top personalities surrendered, 77 members neutralized and 51 firearms recovered.
With the downfall of the SRC5, the brigade was able to clear the affected barangays by dismantling its politico-military structure.
Also, the dismantling of the GF55 and SRGU within six months of arduous efforts in implementing the brigade’s campaign.
