64-year-old rebel surrendered in Pinukpuk, Kalinga

Pinukpuk, Kalinga – A 64-year-old member of a Communist Terrorist Group suffering from a heart disease and untreated gunshot wound surrendered to the government in Sitio Kibog in Barangay Apatan on March 1, 2022.

From being a member of Squad Dos, Platoon Guevara, Kilusan Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Baggas for more than 3 decades, alias ‘Stan’ voluntarily surrendered to the 50th Infantry Battalion and the Kalinga Police Provincial Office, cites a report from the 5th Infantry Division.

According to the 5ID, Stan was used by the NPA as a courier in 1987 before he became a member of the Militia ng Bayan in 1988.

Seven years later, at the age of 35, he took his oath as a regular member of the CTG after he was recruited by Alias Jagi and Alias Pinpin. The latter died during a gunfight with government troops last March 15, 2021.

According to Stan, while he was with the movement, he got shot during an armed encounter which up to these days was not treated. The pain of said wound caused him to suffer for a long time.

After more than three decades, the former rebel was finally convinced by his family to surrender to live a peaceful life with them.

Lt. Col. Melanio Somera, 50th Infantry Battalion Commander, assured that they are going to provide the needs of Stan saying, “we cannot afford to let him suffer more. We will provide him with the necessary assistance he needs.”

Meantime, Brigadier General Santiago Enginco, the Brigade Commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade, appreciated the effort of Stan’s family in persuading him to lay down his arms.

“Family is indeed the foundation of our will to live our life worthily. I thank the family of alias Stan for convincing him to surrender. I also thank alias Stan for choosing to live his life with his family and relatives,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Major General Laurence Mina, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, appealed to the remaining rebels to take the opportunity to start a new life with the benefits being provided by the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

“To the remaining members of the CTG, do not hesitate to return to the folds of the law. Your family and loved ones are waiting for you to come home,” he conveyed.

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