LIEUTENANT General Rex Luis Bergante, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), revealed on Monday that 80% of neutralized New People’s Army (NPA) members operating under its area of responsibility, while 20% were killed in military operations, urging the remaining rebels to surrender and join the 80% who chose peace.
“To our brave troops, I am proud and honored to be with you,” Bergante said during a press conference on Monday, Feb. 17, at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City.
He commended the 4th Infantry Division, led by Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., for their successful efforts in combating the communist terrorist group in the Caraga region.
“I would also like to use this opportunity to call on the rebels in the mountains to return to the fold of the law while there is still time, to avoid further bloodshed,” Bergante stated.
He cited the recent presentation of 232 former rebels and their surrendered firearms to Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Anton Lagdameo Jr., just two weeks prior.
Bergante emphasized the futility of continuing the armed struggle, highlighting the casualties on both sides.
“The statistics show that 20% [of neutralized NPA members] are a result of direct action by our troops, and 80% come from surrenders,” he explained.
He also appealed to stakeholders, local chief executives, governors, and mayors to continue supporting the campaign, emphasizing their crucial role in reaching out to those remaining in the mountains.
“I see that we are close to clearing all of Northeastern and North Central Mindanao[Regional Committee of NPA group],” he added.
Answering questions from the press, Bergante elaborated on the factors contributing to the 80% surrender rate.
He cited the pressure exerted by ground forces, the “whole-of-nation, whole-of-government approach,” and the influence of stakeholders.
He also noted that many rebels were convinced that surrendering would not lead to their deaths, as they witnessed the support provided to those who returned to mainstream society.
“I appeal to the remaining NPA members in this area to surrender,” Bergante reiterated. He also called on the public to encourage their family members involved in the armed struggle to surrender, emphasizing that the choice is theirs whether to belong to the 80% who surrendered or the 20% who were killed in action.
He stressed the importance of local chief executives in reaching out to those remaining and providing support to the former rebels.
Last Feb. 6, authorities welcomed the 232 former rebels who surrendered to the different units under the 10th Infantry Division of the EastMinCom since last year.
The 232 former rebels consisted of 189 regulars and 43 Militia ng Bayan.
Also, the former rebels surrendered 111 firearms consisting of 64 high-powered firearms and 47 low-powered firearms.
Based on their record from 2016 up to date there are already 5,818 New People’s Army (NPA) members who returned to the folds of the law under the area of responsibility of EastMinCom.
The Eastern Mindanao Command covers Regions X, XII, and parts of South Cotabato in regions XII, and XIII.
