3 NPA members surrender after leader killed in Agusan clash

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Three New People’s Army (NPA) members who had gone into hiding after an encounter in Agusan del Sur that killed a top leader of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), have surrendered to government troops, the military said.

The Army’s 4th Infantry Division said the three NPA members surrendered between Sept. 15 and Sept. 17, following the death of Julia Cagadas, alias “Rheda,” whom the military identified as a top NCMRC leader, during a series of encounters in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, on Sept. 12.

The military identified the surrenderers as Claire M. Dalagon, alias “Cloud,” finance officer of Headquarters Force Neo of the NCMRC; William Boskada Manligayan, alias “Kevin,” a squad leader; and Allan Bakero Tahal, alias “Ading,” a regular member of the same group.

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READ: CPP confirms death of senior NPA member, 3 others in Agusan clash

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Dalagon surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion in the vicinity of Barangay Maningalao, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, on Sept. 15, according to the 4ID.

Manligayan and Tahal surrendered on Sept. 17 to joint troops from the 23rd and 58th Infantry Battalions and intelligence units at the 23rd IB headquarters in Barangay Alubijid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The two also turned over an M16 rifle, a magazine and ammunition, the military said.

Maj. Gen. Marion T. Angcao, 4ID commander, said the latest surrenders indicated the NCMRC remnants’ declining ability to sustain armed activities.

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“The surrender of these remaining members is a clear indication that the armed group has lost its ability to sustain its operations and influence,” Angcao said.

He said the surrenders also showed that leaving the armed struggle and returning to civilian life remained an option for NPA members.

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Angcao said the military’s operations would continue to prioritize the protection of civilians and communities, while the government would work with local governments and other stakeholders to sustain peace and security gains.

He also urged remaining NPA members to surrender peacefully rather than continue their armed activities.

The military said the surrenderers would be extended appropriate assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

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The NPA and its political organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines, have yet to issue a statement on the latest surrenders. /das