CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to line units of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) and turned over five high-powered firearms during separate incidents in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, military officials reported.
The surrender of two NPA rebels on June 25 was facilitated by the 8th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Marc Bien Stevens J. Deslate, with support from the 1st Special Forces Battalion led by Lt. Col. Emilio T. Bautista. Acting on their information, government troops recovered four high-powered firearms hidden in two separate locations in Bukidnon.
Recovered from the first arms cache in Sitio Buso, Poblacion, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon were two M16 rifles and two M653 carbines. Meanwhile, an M79 grenade launcher and four high-explosive rounds were also unearthed from a second cache in Mt. Talahiran, Barangay Caburacanan, Malaybalay City.
A third surrender occurred on June 29, when another NPA member yielded to the 58th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Leoncito I. Grezula Jr. The rebel surrendered at the Kalhaan Forward Operating Detachment in Barangay Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental. He also turned over his M16 rifle, five magazines, and 50 rounds of live ammunition.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of 4ID, attributed the successful surrenders and weapons recovery to the relentless focused military operations and the increasing confidence of NPA members in the government’s reintegration programs.
“These voluntary surrenders and the recovery of firearms are clear indicators of the weakening grip of the NPA in Bukidnon and nearby areas,” MGen. Anayron said. “We commend the brave decisions of the former rebels and the unwavering efforts of our troops on the ground. The 4ID remains steadfast in its mission to protect and uphold peace for our people.”
The military continues to call on remaining NPA members to surrender and embrace the government’s peace and development programs, emphasizing that reintegration remains a priority in ensuring lasting peace in the region.