Catbalogan City – An NPA member surrendered to Army’s 46th Infantry Battalion in Samar last November 19 with 19 firearms.
Anthony Encinas a.k.a. Aljur amongst members of terrorist group Bugsok Platoon of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committe walked for 37hrs from NPA hideout in the hinterlands of Basey, Samar to their home in Brgy Antol, Calbiga, Samar.
Encinas brought with him a .45 caliber pistol when he surrendered to 46IB on Nov 19 while the 18 other cache firearms were retrieved on November 20.
“I surrendered as my comrades and cadres frequently fight over criticism they did not want to accept criticism of others” said Encinas in waray dialect.
Last November 8, through the initiative of 801st Infantry Brigade (controlling unit of 46IB), former CPP-NPA cadres conducted a dialogue with parents and relatives of active NPA members in Calbiga, Samar. One of the attendees is Mrs Thelma Encinas, mother of Anthony Encinas.
When Anthony suddenly arrived at their home around 6PM last Nov 18, Thelma said she was surprised as they have lost contact with Anthony since he joined the terrorist organization. She said she did not think twice telling his son to immediately surrender to soldiers as the government will gladly welcome his return to the folds of law.
“I was so happy, he returned home. I am so worried. I am already sick (goiter), their sister have epilepsy but I have been trying to become strong for my children” said Thelma in waray.
JTF Storm and 8ID Commander Major General Camilo Ligayo lauded 801 Brigade and 46IB for the accomplishment. “I congratulate both units for their effort to reach out to parents and relatives. Ang pangyayaring ito ang nagpapatunay na ang Local Peace Engagement ay mas epektibo upang masolusyunan itong local communist armed conflict.
“Nagpapasalamat din tayo sa Local Government Unit ng Samar sa pamumuno ni Gov Sharee Ann Tan. Commendable ang Local Social Integration Program ng probinsya at very supportive ito sa pagbabagumbuhay ng mga kapatid nating minsan ay naligaw ng landas” General Ligayo added.
Meanwhile, General Ligayo reinforce the appeal to families and relatives of active NPA members “Tulungan nyo po kami na makumbinsi ang mga mahal nyo na magbalik loob, gusto naming magkakasama kayo sa darating na pasko. Hindi po tumitigil ang operasyon namin sa bundok, pakiusap gawan nyo ng paraan maipaabot ang mensahe sa inyong mga kaanak” General Ligayo concluded.
The firearms surrendered include four M14 rifles, Six M16 rifles, four AK47 rifles, a shotgun, a KG9, a .38 Caliber revolver, an M79 Grenade Luncher, a .45 cal pistol and 14 Magazines for AK47. (VICTOR BALDEMPOR RUIZ)
