By Miriam G. Desacada
Tacloban City–Fourteen members of the New People’s Army (NPA) communist terrorists, 12 of them part-timers belonging to the so-called Unit Militia, surrendered to the 78th Infantry “Warrior” Battalion (78IB) in Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Tuesday (August 22).
They also surrendered two M16 rifles, one .30-caliber M1 Carbine, two .45-caliber pistols, a .38-caliber revolver, and two internationally-banned anti-personnel landmines.
The surrender was considered by the military as an accomplishment facilitated by the 78th Infantry “Warriors” Battalion (headed by Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Alvior), in the implementation of the government’s National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) program.
Major General Camilo Ligayo, commander of the 8th Infantry “Stormtrooper” Division, was elated over this development saying this marked another victory of the government in the pursuit of peace.
While acknowledging the decision of the NPA terrorists to return to the fold of the law, Ligayo commended the “exceptional accomplishments achieved through the local peace engagement,” as he cited this strategic efforts effective in promoting peace and security.
“Together, we have shown that once divided communities can be transformed into beacons of peace and development. Let us build upon this success and continue working tirelessly to rid our nation of the communist terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF. We shall pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for our people,” said the topmost head of the military in the region.
Moreover, Ligayo commended the dedication, commitment, and unwavering support of the local government units (such as the city government of Borongan) and the 802nd Infantry “Peerless” Brigade (headed by Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir) for their “collective efforts that impacted the lives of the people in Eastern Samar.”
Ligayo declared: “The successful implementation of the local peace engagement in Borongan City is an outstanding accomplishment for both the military and our LGU partners. I commend the relentless efforts of our troops, the dedicated leadership of Brig. Gen. Vestuir, and the unwavering support of Borongan Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda.”
Meanwhile, five members of Batakang Organisasyong Pampartido (BOP) and 56 members of the Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) from Barangay San Andres (Lower) of Borongan City, came out to announce their withdrawal of support for the NPA and declared their allegiance to the government instead. —Miriam G. Desacada