BANCASI, Butuan City – The New People’s Army in Agusan del Norte has faced another setback after one (1) member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered and revealed the location of the six (6) high-powered firearms to the 23rd Infantry Battalion, Operational Control unit of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade at H23IB, Jamboree Site, P-6, Brgy Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on February 1, 2024.
Recently, series of armed encounters transpired between the 23IB and the remnants of Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG), Sagay, Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC-3) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) that resulted in the neutralization of the Ten (10) NPA members, seizure of high-powered firearms and other personal belongings.
Consequently, in more than two weeks’ time, another NPA member identified as Jerome Amparo Marapao alias Mark, a medic of the Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG), Sagay, Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC-3) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) surrendered to 23IB, and revealed the location of the firearms that were hidden at Sitio Malambago, Brgy. Sangay, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Subsequently, a follow-through operation was conducted which resulted in the discovery of six (6) AK47 Rifles, one (1) cal. 45 pistol, and other war materiel.
According to alias Mark, their hardships were immense, and the sacrifices often seemed endless. Also, he realized that the ideology he once embraced failed to align with the pursuit of genuine progress and unity he had long been fighting for. This proves that the relentless focused military operations of the 402Bde and 23IB has triumphed against the dwindling forces of the local insurgents in the Province of Agusan del Norte.
Brigadier General Adonis Ariel G Orio, Commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, said “Many of NPA members are now following the call for a long-lasting and genuine peace that further weakens the NPA organization. However, the 402nd Infantry Brigade will not cease to intensify our operations to track and pursue the remaining communist rebels here in Agusan del Norte and the rest in our Area of Responsibility. We will stay vigilant as we urge you to abandon the armed struggle, rebuild your family, happy and without fear.”
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