The surrender took place following a series of heavy defeats in the past weeks due to the no-let-up military operations of the troops under 4th Infantry Division (ID) based in Cagayan de Oro City.
Major Francisco Garello, spokesman of 4th ID identified the NPA's top leader as Grecy Yparraguirre alias Raquel, the Secretary of Guerilla Front 30 (GF30), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
Also surrendered is Raquel’s husband, Ramil Salazar Queda alias Ben, nephew, Robert Arreza Yparraguirre alias Mark, the Vice Commanding Officer and member of Platoon 1, GF30, NEMRC, respectively.
Bakekor Lauro Masiga alias Pidok, member of Sentro de Grabidad 16 (SDG16) surrendered to the troops of 36th Infantry "Valor" Battalion on June 22, at its Headquarters in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur.
Garello said the surrenderers revealed to them that they abandoned their group due to exhaustion after sustained military operations. These NPA rebels also yielded four high-powered firearms.
Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, commander of 4th ID in a statement said that the successive surrenders were a direct result of the continuous focus military operations of 4ID troops to finally put an end to the atrocities of communist terrorist group (CTG) in the region.
He said this a clear manifestation that the CTG is completely in the state of confusion and lack of direction due to leadership vacuum.
The relentless pursuit of his troops along with the unwavering support of the populace, has effectively weakened communist terrorism, leading to CTG's imminent end in the region, Cuerpo said.
Photos from 4th ID
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