BALANGA CITY – Two former members of communist terrorist groups voluntarily surrendered to authorities following intensified anti-insurgency operations in Bataan.
In coordination with other police and military forces, the Bataan Police Provincial Office (PPO) conducted an operation on September 16 that led to the surrender of a former member of the Lino Blas Command South Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) at the Orani Municipal Police Station.
The returnee yielded one caliber .38 revolver with three live rounds of ammunition and one hand grenade as a gesture of sincerity.
To help him start a new life, the Bataan PPO also provided two sacks of rice as immediate assistance.
Another joint police and military intelligence operation on September 17 led to the voluntary surrender of a former member of the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Bataan (ALMABA), a communist front organization, who also withdrew his support from the CPP-NPA-NDF.
He turned over an improvised shotgun, locally known as sumpak, at the Abucay Municipal Police Station to show his complete withdrawal from the group.
Bataan PPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Marites Salvadora urged remaining members of communist groups to return to the fold of the government, stressing that the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program is available to support their reintegration into society.
“The Bataan PNP remains steadfast in eradicating insurgency and continues to execute its mandate in line with the directives of our PRO 3 Regional Director PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., and under the leadership of our Acting PNP Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.,” she said.
These surrenders form part of the intensified whole-of-nation approach against insurgency in support of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which prioritizes peace and security as foundations of sustainable development. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)