Mass surrender of NPAs, Militia and Supporters in Two Zamboanga Provinces

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Dec. 20, 2018) – A total of three (3) NPAs, thirty-eight (38) Militia ng Bayan and one hundred sixty two (162) supporters, surrendered to 102nd Infantry Brigade in the two provinces of Zamboanga this week.

Capt. Clint Antipala, Acting DPAO Chief disclosed that on December 15, 2018, twenty-two (22) Militia and fifty-nine (59) supporters surrendered to 44th Infantry Battalion in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

On the same day Antipala said, three (3) NPAs, two (2) Militia and seventy-two (72) supporters surrendered to 53rd Infantry Battalion in San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.

And on December 18, 2018, fourteen (14) Militia and thirty-one (31) supporters surrendered to 44th Infantry Battalion in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Antipala added,

“Their surrender will be a setback for the upcoming 50th Communist Party of the Philippines anniversary because of weakening mass base support,” said Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, 102 Infantry Brigade Commander.

“We will facilitate for their enrollment to Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government and we commended the LGUs, barangay officials and other stakeholders who implemented the localized peace talks,” Col. Gaerlan added.

1st Infantry (Tabak) Division Chief Major General Roseller G Murillo, Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, commended the efforts of 102nd brigade, 44IB, 53IB and the stakeholders who were involved and facilitated the successful surrender.

“We encourage other NPAs to return to the folds of law and take advantage of the E-CLIP and spend the yuletide season with their families.” Maj. General Murillo added. (By JONG CADION with DPAO PR and photos)