NINE high-ranking CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) leaders surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) of the 403rd Infantry Brigade on Sept. 8, in Valencia City, Bukidnon.
The military identified the rebel returnees as Raquel N. Dahoyla, 41; Joen V Morales, 30; Daniel P Layanan, 23; Mary Jean S Cololot, 28; Nelbert Binungkasan, 26; Warren A. Balanse, 30; Walisa C Tinampakan, 28; Marlon B Ampoan, 21; and Rey N Unabia, 25.
They also turned in six high-powered firearms consisting of three M16 rifles, two AK-47 rifles and an M1 Carbine Rifle.
Col. Ted B Dumosmog, the officer-in-charge of 403Bde, said the longing to see their families and family pressure prompted them to come down.
“Upon surrender, they were made to undergo medical check-up before being processed at Valencia City Police Station. Indeed, it is fulfilling to assist and see returning misguided brothers reunited with their families,” Dumusmog added.
In a statement, 4ID commander MGen. Wilbur C. Mamawag praised the combined efforts of 1SFBn under Lt. Col. Roger Anthony Nuylan and the 403rd Brigade.
“We are now reaping the peace dividends of our convergence efforts under the Task Force ELCAC. We therefore encourage those remaining and hardened CTG members to listen to the cry of your left-behind families and to do not hesitate to follow your surrendering companions,” Manawag said.
” The government has consistently demonstrated its sincerity to accept you back with better opportunities. It’s not yet too late,” he added.
Since January 2022, the 4ID has assisted 186 former rebels in transitioning toward normal lives under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). In the same period, 196 firearms were also surrendered.
