By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two female combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) who allegedly took part in the two armed encounters in Janiuay, Iloilo surrendered to authorities on Aug 29, 2020.
The surrenderers, who were only identified as JL and Alexa, are believed to be members of the SYP Baloy Platoon of the NPA Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P)’s Central Front.
The rebel group allegedly clashed with the Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion in two firefights on Aug 26 at Barangay Panuran and on Aug 28 at Barangay Aglobong.
Their surrender was facilitated by a barangay kagawad who brought them to the 12th IB in Calinog after their comrades allegedly abandoned them in the aftermath of the armed engagements.
The two lady combatants claimed that some of the things recovered during the two encounters are their personal belongings.
Brigadier General Marion Sison, 301st Infantry Brigade commander, said they admitted that the recent encounters have caused demoralization within their ranks.
“Apparently, they suffered big blows after the Army’s consecutive victories against the terrorists. What’s even more demoralizing on their part is that all these victories were materialized through the help of the people who shared vital information that led to the decisive hit against the enemy who continue to lose maneuver space in their former strongholds,” Sison said.
The 301st IB commander also lauded the troops for their successful combat operations that continues to put intense pressure on the NPA terrorists, “denying them the opportunity to further commit their atrocious acts.”
He also cited the barangay officials for their support, particularly in assisting JL and Alexa to return to the folds of the law.
“There will be no let-up in our hunt for these communist terrorists. Your Army here in Panay and Guimaras will relentlessly pursue these enemies of the state, to prevent them from sowing terror in the communities and to save our youth from getting involved in the senseless bloody armed struggle,” he said.
Sison also assured the people that the Philippine Army will continue to protect and will be here to serve them.
“Our doors are always open to those who choose peace. And in time with the nation’s celebration of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month, the surrender of JL and Alexa speaks volumes about the Army’s high regard for human dignity as manifested by how we have protected these surrenderers,” he said.
Sison has again asked the people to abandon communist ideology that has only caused death and misery.
He also vowed that state forces will show compassion and assist those who choose to return to the folds of the law in going back to mainstream society.
