PLACER, Surigao del Norte – In a significant development for ushering in a new era of peace in Surigao del Norte and nearby provinces, the top CNT leader of the Sub-Regional Committee Northland (SRC NL) of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), Juanita Leyson, also known as “Kikay”, Secretary of SRC Northland surrendered alongside three (3) of her comrades.
The surrender took place at the 30th Infantry Battalion headquarters, highlighting the growing momentum towards a more peaceful future in these provinces.
Juanita Leyson a.k.a. “Kikay” is the wife of the late prominent CNT leader, Rolando Leyson, a.k.a. “Edroy,” also played a crucial role as a Finance Officer within the CTG. Her decision to surrender brings to light the impact of the cutting off of the group’s extortion activities in Surigao del Norte and neighboring provinces thus weakening the financial backbone of the CTG in the region to fund its criminal operations.
The surrender involved the turning over of two (2) high-powered firearms, magazines, thousands of ammunition, bulletproof vests, and various war materials. This substantial haul demonstrates continuous decline within the CTG ranks and the increasing number of members who are opting for peace over conflict. Accompanying Leyson were, Rajem Pertos a.k.a. “Patrick,” Jezalyn Platil a.k.a. “Mocha,” and Pegi Diaz a.k.a. “Jeff.”
“The surrender of the SRC Secretary and her comrades signifies a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace and prosperity wherein these provinces can now focus on facilitating uninterrupted delivery of services in the countryside where the armed group had terrorized for the longest time. As of now, let’s make a collective effort in totally ending the insurgency for these provinces”, Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, Commander of the 901st Brigade said.
