Wounded NPA surrenders to Army troops in Misamis Occidental

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Aug.25, 2018) – Learning about the Army’s program for rebel returnees, a wounded New Peoples Army (NPA) peacefully surrendered to Tabak troopers in Bonifacio municipality in the neighboring province of Misamis Occidental 9am Friday August 24, military official said.

       

Division Public Affairs Officers Chief Maj. Ronald E. Suscano identified the surrendered NPA as certain Jemar Labito Salayon @ Edward is among the elements of NPA encountered by the 10th Infantry Battalion troopers in Barangay Hoyohoy of Tangub City last August 11. He personally disclosed that he sustained one gunshot wound on his left knee during the said clash and was abandoned by his comrades while fleeing. He is still a minor at age 17 and presently recuperating at MARSGEN Hospital in Ozamis City.

Ltc Ryan N. Severo, Commanding Officer of the 10th Infantry Battalion said that subject surrenderor will receive P15,000.00 immediate cash assistance and P50,000.00 for livelihood assistance. Aside from these monetary assistance, he could also avail services from other government agencies such as phycho-social debriefing from DSWD; skills training by TESDA; employment and capacity building from the different institutions of the government and security as guaranteed by the AFP and PNP.

Meanwhile, eighteen members of Communist-NPA-Terrorist (CNT) Sanga ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) and Militia ng Bayan (MB) also surrendered to 10IB in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental through the Community Support Program (CSP) last Sunday August 19.

Col Bagnus P Gaerlan, Commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade said: “The surrender of this rebel and many other supporters is a welcome development in our ongoing effort in supporting the peace and development agenda of the government.  We would like to transform Misamis Occidental into a conflict-free area that would bring peace and prosperity for the local folks of the Province.”

“Our efforts are relentless as we are tirelessly urging the remaining members of the New People’s Army and their supporters here in Western Mindanao to just lay down their arms, surrender and return to the folds of the law. We will help you start a new lives”, said Maj General Roseller G Murillo, Premier Army’s (Tabak) Division Commander and concurrent Commander of JTF ZAMPELAN as he commended the troops for the job well-done.

“As we expressed our support for the localized peace talk, we will likewise unrelentingly pursue the remaining enemies of the Filipino people – the CNT, until they voluntarily surrender or the hands of justice will be served to them.” Maj Gen Murillo added.