‘Pasusundo namin kayo kahit saan pa at anong oras para maproteksyonan namin kayo,’ - Maj. Gen. Señires assures support to rebels if they surrender

Tabuk City, Kalinga - Following a series of gunfights between government troops and rebels in Pinukpuk, Kalinga, Major General Gulliver Señires, commander of the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division, has called on the remaining insurgents to return to the fold of the law, assuring them of government support if they surrender peacefully but warning them of violent attack if they continue to refuse.  

Señires made the statement during a press conference at the 103rd Infantry “Mabalasik” Battalion headquarters on November 26, which was conducted after multiple clashes between the military and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) along the mountains of said municipality.  

To recall, the first encounter occurred on November 21 in Bayao, Pinukpuk, when residents reported insurgents trying to solicit support from the community. Subsequent military pursuit operations resulted in more separate clashes, wherein one of the NPAs was killed, a soldier was wounded, and high-powered firearms from the terrorist group were recovered.  

Amid the continuing military operation, Señires stressed that the government is willing to help rebels who wish to leave the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), but he said it's up to them if they cooperate or continue to flee and evade authorities. 

If the rebels continue to exchange fire with the soldiers, Señires said the army will have no choice but to pursue them. Thus, he appealed to them to surrender peacefully so that no more violent attacks that may result in loss of lives will be avoided. 

 “We are willing to help them. We are willing to extend our help. Kailangan dito is for them also to help us. Kung hindi, wala po tayong magagawa. Magkikita po diyan, magbabakbayan yan. Hindi magiging maganda ang results. So muli nanawagan tayo (to rebels), it’s now time for them to return to peace,” stated Señires.  

The major general then assured those rebels who comply with his appeal will be personally escorted by the army at any time or location to ensure their safety.  

“Hindi po ito titigil itong operation, so I advise you to contact the nearest operating troops dyan. Present yourself. Pasusundo ko kayo kahit saan pa, anong oras para maprotektahan namin kayo, and we will process your terms of surrender. Otherwise, magkikitakita kayo dyan sa bundok, and it will be violent, and hindi nyo magugustuhan ang magiging result,” the major general added.