Manila: Three remnants of the communist New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army on separate occasions between Aug. 22 and 26, turning over firearms and ammunition and aiding in the recovery of explosives and other war materiel in the Caraga Region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the series of surrenders underscores the growing impact of sustained government peace and security efforts and the troops' commitment to reaching those who have chosen to abandon the armed struggle, Brig. Gen. Benjamin Leander, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said in a statement on Friday.
On Aug. 22, Michael Anga-an, alias Piko, a mass supporter of the dismantled Guerrilla Front 21 under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), yielded to troops of the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) in Barangay Bagyang, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. He surrendered an improvised shotgun and two rounds of ammunition.
Another NPA remnant, Roger Tana Gana, alias Jake, a former Milisya ng Bayan member, surrendered to the 3rd Special Forces Battalion on Aug. 25 in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. He turned over a homemade shotgun, a Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, and another .357 revolver with six rounds of ammunition.
The third surrenderer, Erwin Carasco Pedrablanca, alias "Vincent," voluntarily yielded to the 36IB on Aug. 26 in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. He led Army troops in an operation the same day that resulted in the recovery of an M14 rifle, six rifle grenades, and two improvised explosive devices with wires and switches in Barangay Buntalid, Cantilan.
Leander said the accomplishments reflect the collective efforts of government forces, local stakeholders, and communities in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur.
In the same statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, commended the operating troops for facilitating the surrender of the three former rebels. Angcao also assured the people of Caraga of the Army's continuing resolve to protect communities and preserve the hard-earned peace in the region.
