FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – A member of CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) from the Barrio or Milisyang Bayan of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), belonging to the Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla – Abra- Mt. Province- Ilocos Sur (KLG-AMPIS) surrendered with two rifles and ammunition to the 69th Infantry (COUGAR) Battalion, Philippine Army led by LTC Marcelo Valdez Jr. on Monday, May 16, 2022.
MGen Andrew Costelo PA, Commander of 7th Infantry (KAUNGAY) Division, Philippine Army firmly identified the CTG personality as Lito Lumiwag Idong alias ‘Lito’ a resident of Brgy Kili, Tubo, Abra.
He brought along with him one Elisco M16A1 rifle, one Garand rifle, one short magazine, and nine Cal. 5.56mm live ammunition.
The submission was facilitated by the joint elements of the aforementioned unit together with 702nd Infantry (DEFENDER) Brigade under the leadership of BGen Krishnamurti Mortela PA and 71st Infantry (KAIBIGAN) Battalion headed by LTC Michael Bautista.
“I would like to commend the 69IB for their untiring efforts to convince the remaining members of the KLG-AMPIS to surrender and also to the community who have been very cooperative in our endeavors. Patuloy ang aming panawagan sa natitirang miyembro ng NPA na bumaba na, panahon na. Huwag hintayin na magbuwis kayo ng buhay sa walang katuturang ideolohiya ng mga komunista. Lumapit lamang sa pinakamalapit na kampo ng Army o istasyon ng pulis sa inyong lugar,” said Costelo.
Alias ‘Lito’s’ surrender was prompted by hardships and a personal realization that the terrorist organization will neither give his community peace nor development that they have persistently longed for decades.
“Nagsurrender ako dahil nakita ko ang kabaitan ng mga sundalo at sa sensiridad ng ating gobyerno lalo na sa pagpapatupad ng balik loob program,” he said.
Furthermore, LTC Valdez said “this is the result of information operations in the area that put pressure on the enemy and in close collaboration with different Local Government Agencies and Local Government Units. We also encourage the remaining members of the CTG to return to the folds of the law and avail the government program through Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), and live a peaceful life with their families.”
