Twenty-six members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrendered to authorities and were welcomed back to the folds of government on January 24, 2023, at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.
Napolcom Chairman and Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. and NCRPO Chief, PMGen Jonnel C Estomo, represented by PBGen Jose S Hidalgo, Jr., along with other concerned agencies such as NICA, DSWD, DOLE, and TESDA, witnessed the withdrawal of support of the 26 former rebels to CPP/NPA and oath of allegiance to the government.
The surrendered rebels were members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) group of Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda (SYP), Pulang Mandirigma, KP5 L2, and Pang Probinsiyang Yunit with the position of Platoon Leader, Commanding Officer, Secretary of the Local Party Branch, and Finance Collector.
The said groups were operating in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Albay, Masbate, Iriga, and Bula, all in the Bicol Region.
The signing of the Oath of Allegiance to the Philippine Government, the tearing of CPP/NPA flags/paraphernalia, and the sharing of their testimony were among the highlights of the event.
Further, the surrenderers underwent a seminar as one of the requirements in the processing of E-CLIP or the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program accorded to all members of CPP/NPA/NDF or “Militia ng Bayan” members who opted to return to the folds of the government and live with their families in peace.
PGen Azurin said that CTG units were continuously weakening as some of their leaders and members are returning to the folds of the law.
“The unremitting efforts of the PNP and AFP have been the contributory factors for the continuous surrender of more a members of CTGs and recovery of their logistics will have a huge blow to their group and weakened their state,” PGen Azurin added.
