FOLLOWING successful operations that neutralized 11 rebels and recovered weapons in Surigao del Sur this month.
Meanwhile, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Luis Rex D. Bergante called on remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
“It’s time to put a stop to the bloodshed and join the effort for progress,” Bergante emphasized.
The joint operation, conducted by the 401st Brigade of Joint Task Force Diamond (4ID) with support from the Philippine Air Force, resulted in a series of encounters from Sept. 7 to 9 in Sitio Tubod, Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
The operation led to the neutralization of 11 Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) and the recovery of 11 high-powered firearms and six anti-personnel mines (APMs), among other war materials.
Two of the neutralized CNTs were identified as top leaders: Florencio L. Montella, alias Atoy, and Felipe Tejero Sr., alias Reb.
MGen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, commander of JTF Diamond, acknowledged the crucial support of local residents and reiterated his call for remaining communist terrorists to surrender.
He also praised the troops for their dedication to peace and progress in the Eastern Mindanao Command area.
Further, Lt Gen. Bergante said that “EastMinCom continues to offer support to those who surrender, providing rehabilitation, reintegration, and livelihood programs to help them reenter society and build peaceful lives.”
