A HIGH-RANKING leader and 42 other communist terrorist group (CTG) members surrendered to the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division in Bukidnon on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
The surrenderees, including Randy Bayot alias Gov/Kap,” a spokesperson and finance officer of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, were presented to the media during a press conference.
During the brief ceremony, the surrenderees also turned over 41 high-powered firearms, including five M16 rifles and one M14 rifle.
Governor Rogelio Neil Roque, who was present at the press conference, assured the former rebels of government support through allocated programs and funding.
Bayot, a 48-year-old resident of Bukidnon, cited relentless military operations, fatigue, and a desire for a normal life with his family as reasons for his surrender. He also mentioned ideological disillusionment within the movement in his 19 years inside.
“The theories we practiced don’t align with their strategies anymore,” Bayot said.
They surrendered following a series of focused military operations conducted by the 1st Special Forces Battalion, 8IB, 88IB, 26IB, and intelligence units.
Bayot was one of the top most wanted high-ranking CNTs facing two counts of murder, multiple frustrated murder, destructive arson, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention.
In his statement, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, commander of the 4ID, expressed his appreciation for Bayot’s surrender and heeding the government’s call for peace and reconciliation.
“This will eventually lead to the surrender of the remaining demoralized members,” Cuerpo said.
“This progress displays the end of terror of the CTG in Bukidnon and continues the opportunity for development and progress. Hopefully, this will leave a mark on the minds of the remaining personalities that it is not yet too late to return to the folds of the law and start a new life,” he said.
He urged the remaining communist guerrillas to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law.
“The downfall of the CTG in Bukidnon is inevitable and your only option is to embrace the path to peace and development,” he added.
