CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao – Some four (4) communist terrorist groups laid down their arms before the troops of the 5th Special Forces Battalion after deciding to abandon their armed struggle in the hinterlands of South Cotabato in just a period of one week.
Lieutenant Colonel Zandro Alvez, Commander of the 5th Special Forces Battalion said that the first two former rebels belonging to Yunit Milisya ng Bayan surrendered and yield their firearms 7.62mm L1A1 SLR Rifle and Cal.30mm M1 Carbine Rifle, one (1) magazine, and ammunition to the government troops in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on June 21 and 24, 2022. “While the other two CTGs turned themselves at Sitio Lamsiman, Sinolon, Tboli, and Sitio Lamtabong Odi, Lambingi, in the municipality of Banga in the said province on June 26, 2022. The duo belonged to Platoon Brigol of guerilla front 73, Far South Mindanao Region, and yielded one Thompson, Caliber .45; one Rifle, Carbine M1, and one anti-personnel mine also called an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)”, Lt. Col. Alvez said.
Brigadier General Pedro C Balisi Jr, Commander, 1st Mechanized Infantry (Maaasahan) Brigade said more rebels are now convinced to surrender due to the increasing awareness of the government’s programs. “Let us continue pushing the enemies of the state to the verge of irreversible collapse and persuade them to take advantage of the government’s initiative for reconciliation through the E-Clip,” BGen. Balisi said.
Major General Roberto Capulong, Acting Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central lauded the accomplishments of the army troops, attributing the gains of their peace campaigns to their effective and efficient teamwork with their local community leaders, local government counterparts, and the general public.
“Ang inyung kasundaluhan ay patuloy na nananawagan sa iba pang mga teroristang grupo na magbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan, handa po namin kayong gabayan sa inyong pagbabalik sa ating lipunan, gayunman hindi kami mangingiming tugisin ang sinumang pangkat na banta sa ating seguridad”, MGen. Capulong said.
