THE military on Saturday announced the surrender of a man said to be recruiting individuals to become part of a communist terrorist group (CTG) in Abra on Wednesday, October 12.
The Joint Task Force Kaunaga’s 24th Infantry Battalion and the Abra Provincial Police identified the “former CTG recruiter” as Darson Gimbaoan Tubban Jr. alias “Dindo,” 54, resident of Barangay Laplapog, Villaviciosa town, also in the province.
Tubban was said to be a former squad leader of the Samahang Yunit Pang-Propaganda of the dissolved Kilusang Larangang Gerilya-Montes, Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC), which operates in areas in the province as well as Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur, the military said.
Tubban also surrendered one US.30 caliber carbine, one magazine loaded with ammunition, three rifle grenades and a homemade shotgun.
The former terrorist recruiter is currently undergoing custodial debriefing wherein he revealed that he has grown “tired and weary” from hiding and running away from the authorities.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Costelo attributed the surrender of the former CTG member to the efforts and collaboration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police as part of their peace and development initiatives.
“Your surrender is an inspiration to those who are still active in the terrorist organization. I am elated that you have decided to lay down your arms and yield to the government. Despite being a ‘lie-low’ CTG member, the confidence you have entrusted to the authorities marks your sincere submission to the law of peace and order,” Costelo said.
Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., Northern Luzon Command chief, hailed the non-stop efforts of the troops on the ground that they continuously perform their mandate in extending the arm of peace to those who are willing to embrace the government’s reforms for peace and progress.
Torres has called out to the few remaining communist terrorists who are still in hiding to leave the armed movement and work with the government instead of bringing real progress and lasting peace to the nation.
“I enjoin the remnants of the dwindling and fleeing terrorist groups to surrender to the government as a new beginning awaits all of you through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” Torres said.
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