Rebel couple surrenders to 79IB ‘out of love for their family’

SAGAY CITY – Another testament of people’s trust and confidence in the 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Arnel P. Calaoagan PA was the surrender of two Communist NPA Terrorists (CNT), a couple holding key positions in the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF-D).

The rebel couple surrendered to the Masaligan Troopers, in collaboration with the City Government of Escalante City, on August 23, 2024 at the Headquarters of the 79IB in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

The couple were recruited when they were both 19 years old, and were married inside the rebel camp. The couple decided to finally go back to the folds of the law after they repeatedly heared about the program of the 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion, Philippine Army’s facebook page with the call of LTC Calaoagan for them to surrender peacefully which led to their knowledge of the government’s sincere efforts and programs in granting amnesty to those who committed crimes in pursuit of political beliefs— they are hopeful that they can have a bright future with the aid and intervention of the government programs. The couple currently aspires to live a peaceful life and reintegrate to the mainstream society through the collaborative efforts led by 79IB in collaboration with key stakeholders.

It can be recalled that President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr signed Executive Order (EO) No. 47 establishing the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), which is primarily tasked with receiving and processing applications for amnesty under the relevant proclamations—the commission has the power to issue a Certificate of Amnesty to qualified applicants.

Due to increasing awareness of the government’s programs, and support coming from different government agencies, local government units and other stakeholders which are carried out collaboratively through an interactive and holistic approach, more rebels are now being persuaded to surrender. It is one of the indications that the Whole of Government strategy works.

With this milestone, Ltc Calaoagan contineously call on the remaining remnants of the NNF-D to lay down their arms, surrender peacefully and embrace a life of hope together with their respective families and supportive communities.

Further, the activity was concluded with the initial documentation, handing over of initial support from 79IB with food packs from the 2nd Congressional District of Negros Occidental thru Congressman Alfredo D. Marañon III.* (79IB FBP)