14 communist terrorists yield to gov’t forces in Sultan Kudarat Province

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 14, 2018) - Following the surrender of nine members of Communist Terrorist belonging to the Platoon Myphone, Guerilla Front 73 last January 10, another 14 CTs yielded to the troops of the Joint Task Force Central, Friday (January 12) in Sultan Kudarat Province, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Paquito Sambiling a.k.a Kato, 32yo; Honasan Lu a.k.a Nas, 29yo; Andet Banday a.k.a Lung, 36yo; Badag Watamama a.k.a Mamalu, 30yo; Alladin Lu a.k.a Den, 16yo; Unsag Wanday a.k.a Kagi; Ulong Gongga a.k.a Gwapo, 19yo; Montol Aming a.k.a Tulan, 42yo; Alladin Watamama a.k.a Tonton, 29yo; Limbagas Aming a.k.a Datu Dan, 45yo; Gasa Bandoy a.k.a Iwang, 31yo; Pudin Dadayan @Pudz, 21yo; Tony Baug a.k.a Bet, 33yo; and Boni Aming a.k.a Bukwi, 40yo surrendered to the soldiers and policemen at 8:30 of Friday morning bringing with them the following firearms: two cal. 30 Garland rifles; one M14 rifle, one cal 5.56 Homemade Tongram, and one cal .45 pistol.

“In our initial debriefing, it was found that the CTs are members of Platoon TELEGO of the Guerilla Front 73, FSMR,” reported Major General Arnel Delavega, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

“All of them were presented to Mayor Jun-jun Ecija of Senator Ninoy Aquino Municipality before noontime Friday.”

Cpt Petinglay further said that just two days earlier, nine (9) CTs also laid down their arms and surrendered to the soldiers.

The surrendered communists were identified as Juni Moadas, 51; Anas Epic, 45; Ango Mison, 43; Ethel Gampong, 42; Wil Sonap, 40; Dindo Vicente, 37; Jampor Mokatil, 33; Alex Makalbing, 33; and Jerry Makalbing, 25.

The group turn over two M1 Garand rifles, a homemade Caliber 5.56mm pistol, two fragmentary hand grenades, and a smoke grenade.

“Agila and his group surrendered to the elements of the 33rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Midtungok, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat at 4pm of January 10,” added MGen Dela Vega.

From January 1, 2017, 151 CTs surrendered to the troops of Western Mindanao Command. Of this number, 31 surrendered this 2018.

“It is a good start for our efforts this 2018 since in a span of two weeks alone, 31 communist terrorists yielded to our troops, and we anticipate a surging number in the coming days,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“As what our Secretary of National Defense, DelfinLorenzana has said, it is the CPP who are delusional, since they are living in a dream thinking that they could win and establish a communist government in the country.”

“Obviously, the former CTs who surrendered have realized the true nature of their groups’ intentions.”

“Hindi na nila malilinlang ang taumbayan dahil lantad na ang kanilang totoong motibo at layunin. Hindi na nila maitatago ang ginagawa nilang pangingikil, paninira ng mga ari-arian at kabuhayan, pamimilit, pananakit at pagpatay, maging ng mga inosenteng sibilyan.”

“Halos araw-araw ay nababalitaan natin ang pagbabalik-loob sa pamahalaan ng kanilang mga miyembro hindi lamang dito sa Western Mindanao, kundi maging sa iba’t ibang lugar at unified commands.”

In line with the efforts of the DND and the DILG, the local government under Western Mindanao together with the DSWD also have programs intended for those who surrendered, Cpt Petinglay added.

“We would like to encourage the others who are still suffering in the mountains, now is the time for you to join the rest of your former comrades who have decided to take a better life with the Philippine government,” added LtGen Galvez.

“Reintegration packages are being prepared that include livelihood and capacity development trainings, all aimed at providing surrenderrees and their families social equity and a fair chance to be productive members of the society.