79 Former Rebels Take Oath Allegiance in Bislig City

The 75th Infantry (MARAUDER) Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (75IB, 4ID), Philippine Army affirmed the success on the surrender of six Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists and 73 members of Militia Ng Bayan, during the oath of allegiance held recently here.

The surrenderers yielded with 14 high powered firearms, 20 low powered firearms, various bomb materials, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other paraphernalia were formally presented and subsequently followed by the Ceremonial Surrender of Firearms to 4ID Commanding General MGen. Ronald Villanueva.

MGen. Villanueva commended the continuing success of the Marauder operations in the area of responsibility. He also welcomed the former rebels and made them feel that there is a place for them to belong with and lean on to. “This is a great impact against the communist terrorists in this part of Mindanao,” he added.

Local government unit officials, media practitioners and spectators also witnessed the ceremony officiated by Bunawan, Agusan del Sur Mayor Edwin Elorde, and the awarding of Certificate of Scholarship Commitment of TESDA presented by TESDA-Surigao del Sur provincial director Rey Cueva. They also received gift packs support from the Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government.

“This is the result of the collaborative efforts of all units in the area and local government unit officials, since the start of our anti-insurgency campaign, as more communist terrorists are coming to the folds of law,” BGen. Andres Centino, commander of 401st Brigade, Phil. Army said. (75IB/401st Brigade, Phil. Army/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)