BUTUAN CITY – More than 200 underground mass supporters of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote village in Agusan del Norte surrendered to the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Camagong, Nasipit town, Tuesday afternoon.
Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, 23IB commander, said the mass surrender was a result of the massive campaign initiated by the military, the local government, and other government agencies.
“After months of our efforts, these 200 supporters finally decided to abandon the Communist Terrorist Group by pledging allegiance to the government,” Paulo told the Philippine News Agency Wednesday.
He also assured the villagers of the government's continued support.
“The different agencies of the government, through the convergence of efforts, will facilitate the implementation of development programs and services in the area,” Paulo said.
1st Lt. Roel Maglalang, 23IB civil-military operations officer, said the surrenderers comprised of 34 Milisya ng Bayan members, and 278 members of Underground Mass Organization.
“They also handed over to the Army five home-made shotguns and two .357 revolvers,” Maglalang said, adding some of the surrenderers were members of the Higaonon tribe in the area. (PNA)
Over 200 NPA supporters, members yield in Agusan Norte
By Alexander Lopez
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