FOUR remnants of the dismantled Southern Panay Front of Komiteng Rehiyon Panay decided to abandon the hopeless communist movement and chose to return to their families and communities by voluntarily surrendering themselves to the troops of 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion and Municipal Police Station of San Joaquin, Iloilo and San Remigio, Antique on May 30 and 31, 2024.
Alias TALHA @MARTIN, member of the dismantled Southern Panay Front, KR-Panay, 30 years old, single, resident of Brgy Igtuble, Tubungan, Iloilo surrendered on May 30, 2024 and brought along with him one (1) rifle grenade to the San Remigio Municipal Police Station in Antique.
On May 31, 2024, three other members from the same group namely; Alias En-En/Era, 23 years old, a female squad medic, resident of Barangay Poblacion, Bingawan, Iloilo surrendered to the San Remigio Municipal Police Station through the joint efforts of the 61IB and the Antique PNP. Alias Jean/Bodo/Stick, 35 years old, resident of Brgy Paga, Leon, Iloilo and his partner, Alias Ivy/Bebe, 23 years old, resident of Brgy Dagami, Maasin, Iloilo surrendered to the 61IB in Camp Monteclaro, Barangay Igtuba, Miagao, Iloilo.
The surrender of these four Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) is a result of collaboration made by the Iloilo Provincial Government, PNP units in Antique and Iloilo, 61st Infantry Battalion and other AFP units.
Alias “Bodo” is very thankful with the government.
“Dako ang amon pasalamat sa pagbaton kanamon. Ang amon kahadlok nabayluhan sang kalipay kag wala kami nagpati nga amo gali ini ang pagtrato sang mga NPA nga magbalik sa sabakan sang aton gobyerno. “Ang akon basehan kung ngaa nagbalik ako sa sabakan sang aton gobyerno amo ang grabi nga kabudlay ang akon nadangtan dugangan pa sang sobra nga kagutom kag kahidlaw sa akon pamilya. Sige lang kami ka lakat-lakat kag mag tago-tago sa kabukidan kag wala man ko may nakita nga kadaugan sa amo nga grupo. Wala man nag uswag ang amon pag pangabuhi kundi mas nadugangan pa ang kabudlay sang amon nga pamilya. Base sa akon mga nakaistorya nga pila ka mga tawo kag pinaagi sa komonikasyon nga may ara ginahatag nga kaayuhan ang gobyerno para sa mga nagapabukid kag sa panahon nga magbalik na sa sabakan sang aton gobyerno. Nakabati ako nga may ara ihatag nga manami nga panginabuhian, mga ayuda kag mga tabang pinansyal sa idalom sang E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) amo nga sa kadugayan nakombensi gid ako nga isikway na ang hublag,” Alias Bodo said.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Michael G Samson, Commander of 301BDE, commended the collaborative efforts of the Iloilo PLGU, troops and the PNP counterparts that led to the surrender of the CNT personalities. He also expressed gladness over the increasing number of CNT members who surrendered to the government to embrace a peaceful life by reintegrating into mainstream society.
“We urge the remaining members of the CNTs to lay down their arms and return to their families and communities. The government is sincere in helping you to renew your lives and become better citizens. We are always willing to help and assist you to go back to your normal lives,” Samson said.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Philippine Army Facebook Page.
