COMMUNIST insurgents in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao are on the run, forcing many of them to lay down arms and surrender, according to Army commanders in the region.
Lt. Col. Francisco Garello, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division’s (4ID), disclosed that two suspected communist rebels were killed, 16 surrendered, and 28 firearms were seized in the troop’s relentless operations in the regions.
On September 14, 12 insurgents including regular members and militiamen turned themselves in. Two more communist guerrillas in Northeastern Mindanao also surrendered.
“They have nowhere to go. They are now living miserably, hungry and exhausted because people have been avoiding and do not support them anymore. After all, we are all Filipinos and we are very glad that they realized the futility in fighting the government and finally ended the violence once and for all,” said Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade.
Ongoing operations by the 401st Infantry Brigade led to more encounters, additional casualties on the rebels’ side, and weapon seizures.
Brig. Gen. Francisco Lorenzo Jr., 403rd Brigade commander, cited peace-building efforts with local communities and local villagers for the government’s gains against the decades-old communist insurgency.
Maj. Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo, chief of Army’s 4ID, lauded the operations’ successes in weakening the rebel movement as he encouraged remaining insurgents to return to the fold of the law.
“The steady reduction of the CTG’s manpower and firepower is a clear indication of the effectiveness of our military operations and peace initiatives. As their number is dwindling due to the constant pressure that we exert, we expect their remaining leaders and members to also embrace the path to peace and live a normal life together with their families,” he added.
