DEL PILAR, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte – In a significant boost to the government’s peace and security campaign, two of the three remaining active members of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Agusan del Norte surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) and led authorities to a cache of high-powered firearms and explosives.
The surrenderers were identified as Efren Angeles Hilwano alias Maru/Radz and Santiago Langgamon Galla III alias Torting/Val/Khent, both armed members of Platoon 1, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabedad Westland (SRSDG Westland) under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
Their cooperation resulted in the recovery of one M16A1 rifle with an attached M203 grenade launcher, one M4 rifle, two AK47 rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, five AK47 magazines with 191 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three M16 magazines with 94 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and 160 blasting caps with detonating cord in Butuan City.
In a separate operation, another former rebel, Maximo Vibas alias Emok/Joey, also guided troops in unearthing another M203 grenade launcher at the Manhupaw Complex in Santiago, Agusan del Norte.
According to the military, the success was made possible through the joint efforts of the 29IB, local government units, concerned citizens, and former rebels who continue to support peacebuilding initiatives in the province.
Lt. Col. Mark S. Tabon, Commanding Officer of the 29IB, urged remaining rebels to lay down their arms and embrace a peaceful life.
“To our fellow brothers and sisters who are still in the organization, we hope that you will reflect on the lives of your former comrades who have already returned to the fold of the government. Your return will bring new opportunities for peace and development, not only for yourselves but also for your families. The 29IB is always ready to help you in your transformation and in achieving a peaceful and free life,” Tabon said.
The military stressed that the surrender highlights ongoing efforts to encourage insurgents to abandon armed struggle in exchange for peace and sustainable development in Agusan del Norte.