TROOPS from the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) achieved significant gains against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon this month, leading to the surrender of six rebels and the recovery of multiple firearms.
On April 18, Lt Col Francisco Garellor Jr., the 4ID Public Affairs Office chief, said the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) facilitated the surrender of six NPA members from Squad 3, Headquarters Company Frontier (HQF Neo) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
Led by squad leader Alaw Namulanta Lagaolao (alias Circus), the group surrendered three AK-47 rifles and one M1 Carbine rifle.
The surrenderees cited disillusionment with the NPA’s leadership, low morale due to harsh conditions, and lack of civilian support as reasons for surrendering.
The 4ID’s relentless operations throughout April resulted in the discovery of arms caches and successful encounters with the NPA.
On April 2, the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) received the surrender of seven NPA members along with eleven high-powered firearms. Separate operations by the 1SFBn, 75th Infantry Battalion (IB), and 65th IB recovered seven additional firearms from NPA arms caches in Bukidnon, Caraga region, and Agusan del Sur.
Two separate encounters with NPA units in Surigao del Sur resulted in the capture of two M16 rifles and various personal belongings.
Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, 4ID Commander, lauded the troops for their aggressive pursuit of the NPA and their commitment to facilitating peaceful surrenders.
He emphasized that these accomplishments severely weakened the NPA by depleting its resources and eroding its support base.
Cuerpo also welcomed the surrendered NPA members and commended their decision to embrace peace. He highlighted these surrenders as testaments to the effectiveness of 4ID’s efforts and the growing momentum toward peace in the region.
