The surrenderers also yielded a total of six high-powered firearms and low- powered firearms.
According to 4th ID spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Garello, the troops of the 88th Infantry Battalion facilitated the surrender of five CTG members identified as Narnito Dum-ogan, Beije Padejo, Alex Maggatawan, and Ata Manggatawan.
They also surrendered three Carbine Cal. 30 Rifles, an M16 Rifle, and M14 Rifle.
Also surrendered were Verwell Sulina Cawasan and Jessa Mae Banawan Visto. The two surrenderers revealed an arms cache at the mountainous area of Brgy. Caburacanan, Malaybalay City on May 4, 2024.
This resulted in the capture of an M653 Rifle and a Caliber .45 Pistol.
On the other hand, two NPA rebels identified as Tony LIndaan Taquin and Rian Pid-ak Pedyaanl They brought along with them an M16 Rifle, and a Cal. 40MM M203 Grenade Launcher.
4th ID Commander Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II said the recent surrender only indicates the state of disintegration of the CTG in terms of manpower and influence not only in Bukidnon but also in Caraga region.
“After the influx of CTG surrenderers in Caraga, particularly notorious leaders, these recent series of surrender manifest the realization of the low ranking members of their group’s eventual collapse as they are crumbling and in total disarray,” he said.
Cuerpo said, “it is high time to abandon the fighting, start embracing the fact that we can only achieve genuine peace and effect change in an environment of peace. Together with the convergence efforts of all government agencies under the Task Force ELCAC and the support of the communities, we strongly believe this decades-long insurgency will end.”
Photos from 4th ID