COLLAPSE. Eleven members of the New People's Army surrender to the Army in Maramag, Bukidnon on Wednesday (Nov. 7). Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said the surrender has led to the dismantling of the Guerrilla Front Malayag. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Following the Nov. 14 surrender of six members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in Bukidnon, another group of rebels surrendered to the military in Barangay Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon on November 17.
Citing demoralization within their ranks, 11 guerrillas including a child-soldier of the Guerilla Front (GF) Malayag under Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), surrendered to the Army's 88th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence unit, and the 3rd Infantry Battalion.
The surrenderers were identified as Michael B. Mantikinon alias Kimay, commanding officer of Front Operations Command of GF Malayag; Irish B. Arcayan alias Trixie, political instructor and party wife alias Kimay; Garry B. Mantikinon alias Mikmik, team leader Alpha, Squad 2, GF Malayag; Rimmel R. Medado, alias Jerome, security officer, Squad 2, GF Malayag; Sitoy Gamot alias Dave, team leader Bravo, Squad 2, GF Malayag; James Abaton alias Paling, vice CO of Platoon 2, GF Malayag; Tisoy Tormis alias Jeckboy, team leader, Squad 1, GF Malayag; Okaris Gibangon alias Tambok, medic squad 2, GF Malayag; Juvelyn Arellano alias Maymay, medic, squad 1, GF Malayag; Shiela Manaay alias Ella, security officer, Squad 2, GF Malayag; and Benjamin O. Arcayan alias Frenz.
Some five M16A1 rifles and an M203 grenade launcher, as well as explosives and ammunition, were also surrendered by the communist terrorists.
They admitted that losing their leaders and the continuous focused military operations of the 4ID troops forced them to flee, and prevented them to organize and recruit to regain control and influence over their target barangays.
Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4ID, said GF Malayag has been virtually dismantled as the surrenderers were the only remaining members and leaders in the group.
Brawner said it is the final blow that will end GF Malayag, as the surrenderers have chosen to abandon the armed struggle.
The arrest of alias Migs, their guerilla front secretary, the death of NPA leader, Ka Oris, and the surrender of six others eventually led to their decision to return to the government fold.
Brawner said GF Malayag is under SRC2 of the NCMRC, led by Bernie M. Sinunta alias Boboy, the intel officer/vice CO of SRC 2, who surrendered to 88IB last Sunday, the same group where the six CNTs belong to.
GF Malayag has suffered major defeats after two encounters with government troops last September 8 and 10 that resulted in 4 guerrillas being killed, 14 captured, and 22 firearms seized.
The group’s woes were aggravated when their leader, Ramil Banawan alias Migs/Kim/Edukaw, was arrested together with Marcelito Bandigan alias Niks/Raymond, the team leader of Squad 1, last October 25 this year.
“I am elated with this very significant development because this is the result of our relentless campaign against the said terrorist group in the Pantaron Mountain Ranges covering Malaybalay City, San Fernando, and Cabanglasan Bukidnon. I commend the 88IB and 403rd Brigade, as well as the intelligence units, for another victory. They worked tirelessly with civilians in order to attain this success,” Brawner said.
“On the other hand, we welcome Ka Kimay’s decision to heed the government’s call for peace. We have proven to them the Army’s professionalism and respect for human rights. Your Army has been true to its commitment to ensure the safety of those who surrender. They will be provided with necessary assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, and help them build their lives anew with their loved ones,” he added.
Brawner underlined the significant milestone that not only the people of Bukidnon have longed for but all peace-loving people, hence, they can live peacefully after several years of being threatened and exploited.
“This is history in the making. Bukidnon will finally be free from the clutches of the CPP-NPA-NDF. Truly, the end of the communist terrorist group in Bukidnon is happening. Meanwhile, we will exploit our gains and intensify our military operations. This is the best time to push further and harder in order to finally eradicate the whole NCMRC and continue our pivot against the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) in the Caraga region,” he added.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PR)
