CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro – The series of military operations by the troops of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has yielded nine (9) high-powered firearms and the surrender of three CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) yestday, August 14, 2023.
The 23rd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Jeffrey P Balingao, and the 58th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Christian Uy, both under the operational control of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade led by BGen Adonis Ariel Orio, have facilitated the voluntary surrender of three (3) communist terrorist group (CTG) members bringing along with them three high powered firearms on August 14, 2023, at their respective Battalion Headquarters in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, and Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.
BGen Orio identified the two CNTs, who surrendered to 23IB, as Jaime Manpinsahan “Wave” Manseliohan, a Political Officer, and Jolano Baja “Bren” Ramos, a member of Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Sagay, both under the Sub Regional Committee 3 (SRC3) of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC). The other CNT, who surrendered to 58IB, was identified as Jalyn Mantensahan “Analyn” Capitan, a Medic of SRSDG, MTJ Eagles, SRC1, NCMRC.
“The CNTs surrendered two M16 Rifles and one AK 47 Rifle. According to them, they are now experiencing organizational collapse and leadership crisis after the death of Dionesio “Muling” Micabalo, the Regional Secretary of NCMRC, during an encounter with our troops last July 26,” BGen Orio said.
He added that the longing for their families was the main reason said CNTs decided to surrender, apart from the immense demoralization within their ranks and the hardships due to relentless combat operation of the government troops.
Meanwhile, troops of the 23IB and 1st Special Forces Battalion launched a joint intelligence operations to locate a CTG arm cache at the hinterlands of Pangantucan, Bukidnon, after a former rebel identified as Marjone M Abion, former Team Leader of Platoon Huawei, SRC5 of NCMRC, who surrendered last July 1, disclosed the location of six (6) high-powered firearms. Troops captured four (4) M16 A1 Rifles, one (1) M653 Rifle, one (1) Grenade launcher, one (1) anti-personnel mine (APM), and assorted war materiel.
It can be recalled that on August 8, 2023, three CNTs also surrendered to the troops of the 8th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Anthony A Bacus, under the operational control of the 403rd Infantry Brigade led by BGen Michele B Anayron Jr. Said surrenderers who were also members of the NCMRC revealed the different locations of CTG’s arm cache in the hinterlands of Pantaron Range and Saldab Complex in Bukidnon, which resulted to the discovery and seizure of 12 high-powered firearms.
In a statement, 4ID Commander Major General Jose Maria R Cuerpo II expressed his appreciation to the former rebels for their decisions and cooperation; likewise, he once again reiterated the call to the remaining CTG to surrender peacefully and embrace a peaceful life together with their families. “I want to emphasize that there is an alternative, a chance to leave behind the hardships and struggles of your situation. By choosing to surrender, you would pave the way for reconciliation and creating a safe and secure environment and a progressive future for you and your loved ones,” He said.
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