Six former communist terrorists return to the mainstream society

CAMP SIONGCO, MAGUINDANAO, July 6 – Six former communist NPA terrorists, who  surrendered to the 5th Special Forces Battalion under 601st Infantry Brigade  on July 3, 2020, were presented in a simple ceremony at Provincial Governor’s Office in Koronadal City.

After a series of dialogues, the former rebels realized that they have been heavily exploited by communist NPA terrorists with their lies and evil motives. The surrenderers were all natives of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

They decided to abandon their armed struggle and submit themselves to the government with the assistance of the military.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Commander of 6th Infantry Division, with Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of 601st Infantry Brigade and Lt. Col. Randy Banaag, Commanding Officer, 5th Special Forces Battalion presented the returnees to South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, who is also the chairperson of Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

Former rebel brought along with them 2 M16 rifles, 2 M14 rifles, 1 carbine rifle, one 9mm pistol with ammunition and magazine.

The former rebels will be enrolled to the government’s reintegration program known as Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), to help them start a new life and become productive citizen of the country.

In his message, Governor Tamayo expressed his full commitment to support the mandates of the provincial ELCAC to eradicate the influence of communist terrorist groups to achieve a lasting peace, progress and prosperity in the whole province.   

“We will intensify our campaign to entice more CNT members to surrender and live in a peaceful life together with their families. We will ensure that all benefits intended for the surrenderees will be processed accordingly as they will be incorporated to the mainstream society,” Maj. Gen. Carreon said.

The surrenderers are now in the process of availing the E-CLIP of the government facilitated by the provincial ELCAC of South Cotabato. (DPAO-6ID)