TWO alleged “leaders” of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Eastern Samar surrendered to government forces even as six of their comrades were killed during an armed encounter in Las Navas, Northern Samar, the following day.
According to the statement credited to Capt. Jefferson Mariano, public affairs chief of the 8th Infantry ‘Stormtroopers’ Division, the two unidentified CPP leaders turned themselves in to the forces of the 78th Infantry Battalion, 802nd Brigade under BGen. Noel Vestuir last December 1, in Bgy. San Gabriel, Borongan City.
The surrenderers also brought with them one M60 Light Machine Gun, one K3 Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW), two AK47 rifles, four M16, one M14, and one M4 rifle, along hundreds of rounds of ammunition, several magazines, and their personal belongings.
The two were reportedly leaders of the CPP-NPA’s Subregional Committee (SRC) ‘Sesame.’
In Northern Samar, members of the 19th Infantry ‘Commando’ Battalion, clashed with the remnants of the ‘SRC Emporium’ in the hinterlands of Bgy. Paco, Las Navas on December 2, that resulted to the death of 6 NPA members and the recovery of 4 firearms.
SRC Emporium is reportedly headed by ‘Ariel Baselga,’ aka, ‘Poly/Aries’ and has been accused of committing “numerous atrocities” in Northern Samar.
Government troops had to call in for artillery support after locating the terrorists’ camp and found it to be heavily fortified and protected with anti-personnel mines (APM).
After the clash, government troops recovered six unidentified cadavers, two M16 rifles, two pistols, three grenades and assorted personal belongings.
Las Navas Mayor Arlito Tan for his part, called on the remaining NPA terrorists to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.
“Sa mga kapatid natin na patuloy na lumalaban sa gobyerno, ako ay nakikiusap na kayo po ay mag surrender at tumulong sa mga inisyatiba ng ating gobyerno, at sa mga naliligaw ng landas na mga kapatid, sa mga sugatan kayo po ay magsurrender na.
“Ang gobyerno lokal, probinsya, at national ay naririto po, handang tumulong sa inyong pagbabagong-buhay at upang maipagpatuloy ang progreso ng ating bayan para sa inyong pamilya at sa buong bayan.”
Joint Task Force Storm and 8th ID commander, MGen. Adonis Ariel Orio attributed the successful operation to the government’s ongoing efforts to put an end to the CPP-NPA terrorism in the region and in view of ensuring the peaceful conduct of the coming midterm elections.
“This operation is an initial step toward developing a peaceful and threat-free local election.
“As we all know, some political candidates have been threatened by the CTG, which has been demanding permits to campaign.
“That is why we encourage our political candidates not to give in to the demands of the CTGs and not to be afraid. We will support you, and together we will ensure a peaceful, fair, and honest election,” Orio said.