NPA commander, 2 members surrender in Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, July 16 (PIA) — The government scored anew in its mission to end local communist armed conflict in the region as a commander and two members of the NPA surrendered in San Jose de Buan, Samar.

Honorio de Asis Dacles @ Uno and Sanny Labong Maestre @ Gortiyo, both members of Militia ng Bayan in Barangay Gusa, San Jose de Buan, surrendered on July 14 while Tito Labong a.k.a. Silverio Gabane @Ivy/Mayor, CO of Sub-Regional Operational Command (SROC) Browser, surrendered on July 15, to the 87th “Hinirang” Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division.

The surrender of the three is a result of the sustained triad and CSP operations in the CAAs and GIDAs in Paranas, Motiong and San Jose de Buan to dismantle the CFS1, SRC Browser.

The three surrendered one rifle each, comprising of two M14 rifles and one Cal .30 M1 Garand rifle with several rounds of ammunition and magazines.

The surrenderees are now undergoing custodial debriefing and processing for their possible enrollment in the Enhanced Community Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP) and Local Social Integration Program (LSIP).

The officers, men and women of 801 Brigade congratulated the 87th “Hinirang” Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido Jr., commanding officer, for the recent successive victories that diminish the strength of the CTGs.

“The untiring efforts of 87IB are now paying off. We believe that this is the start when other NPA regulars, as well as BOP/SPL and MB members will also return to the folds of the law,” Col. Camilo Z. Ligayo, commanding officer of 801st Brigade said.

“With the unwavering commitment of the troops and the active support of local government units and the entire government bureaucracy, the TF ELCAC mission to liberate the region against the threat of communist terrorism will be successful despite the current national crisis,” MGen. Pio Dinoso, commander of the 8ID and chair of the RTF8-ELCAC said. (PIA-8)