CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Twenty-eight members of the Communist Terrorist Group and members of the People’s Militia in Sarangani Province have decided to turn to the government.
They voluntarily surrendered themselves on the night of December 8, 2022 at the 38th Infantry Battalion in Purok Caballero, Tambilil, Kiamba of the said province.
The former rebels surrendered five (5) Garand rifles, 17 rounds of cal. 30 ammunition, three (3) Garand clips, two (2) rounds of 40mm High Explosives, one (1) improvised explosive device, and 70-meter electrical wire.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Angelo Candole, the Acting Battalion Commander of the 38IB confirmed that three of the surrendered personalities are members of the Squad Primera of the Guerilla Front Musa, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) while the others are from Milisyang Bayan (MB) and Branch of the Local Party (SPL).
“Newly converted former rebels will be given initial financial assistance, food, medicines and vitamins from the Local Government Unit of Kiamba”, according to Lt. Col. Candole.
The former rebels revealed that they witnessed how their comrades’ lives changed after they decided to return to mainstream society and this convinced them to surrender.
According to Major General Roy Galido, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central, surrendered CTG personalities will be recommended to avail of E-CLIP benefits.
“We are satisfied with their conversion to the government. They are victims of CTG disinformation. With the help of LGU-Kiamba, they will be able to completely renew their lives.” Maj. added. Gen. Galido.
The personalities along with their surrendered weapons will be presented to the LTF ELCAC and Kiamba Mayor George Falgui.
