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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The New People’s Army (NPA) in Misamis Oriental is nearing collapse as its fighters begin to surrender, the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) said on Saturday.
In a statement, the military said Kam, 29, a medic and finance officer of Guerilla Force Motorola, admitted that the capture of their leaders and successive surrender of other members resulted in low morale among different NPA units.
“The other surrenderers' previous status was lie-low, but because of the government's presence in their communities, they have decided to submit to the authorities and make peace with the government," Lt. Col Ricky Canatoy, 58IB commanding officer, said as he credited the relentless and focused military operations against the NPA.
Kam, of Sitio Anahaw, Barangay Bantawan, Gingoog City, said she decided to surrender after the apprehension of their leaders in the Sub-Regional Committee-1.
Their secretary, alias Mosong, and deputy secretary, alias Maya, were captured in September.
Since then, Kam said the group lost focus and direction and the members’ confidence in what the NPA stands for has waned.
Aside from Kam, Guerilla Front Huawei members alias Manny, 40, a platoon guide; alias Yury and alias Jeffrey, both 24, vice squad leaders; alias Janerose, 23, a squad medic; and alias Rinly, 21; and SRSDG Eagles medic, alias Lopen, 18, also surrendered at the 58IB camp in Sitio Migbanday, Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on November 11 and 21.
"Their surrender is just as important as the surrender of key leaders because if they don't, there's a chance they'll return as an active NPA fighter, adding to the armed group's strength,” Canatoy said.
They received livelihood assistance, cash, and grocery items from the 58IB, municipality of Claveria, Department of Labor and Employment Region 10, 58th IB Former Rebels Association consumer store, and Medina Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Cooperative.
Claveria Mayor Meraluna Abrogar earlier said the former rebels' surrender is an integral part of the town's development as it will make the place safer for tourists and residents.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
