IMPASUG-ONG, Bukidnon (May 29, 2024) – Another seven (7) regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (IB) on May 24, 2024, following talks

The former rebels are currently in the custody of the 8IB, which is supervised by LTC. Marc Bien Stevens J. Deslante, the commanding officer.

They were presented to Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, Impasug-ong Mayor Anthony Uy, and other government officials on May 29.

A ceremonial turnover of firearms was also held at the multi-purpose hall of 8IB Headquarters here.

Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Brigade of the army’s 4th Infantry Division, which has operational control over 8IB, confirmed that the seven rescued friends are members of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee’s Headquarter Force NEO.

Anayron stated that the former rebels who surrendered together following negotiations also yielded five high-powered weaponry, consisting of four M16 assault rifles and one AR18.

The seven who renounced the armed struggle were Crisanto Borgios Ligayna alias Tazar, 52, member of squad 3 and former commanding officer of HQF Neo, his wife Jodelyn Castillo Ligayna alias Karina, 50, member of squad 3, and their son Crisante Mantadayun Ligayna alias Jevan, 23, member of squad 3; Tataw Manghomosay Tingkayan alias Tango-tango, 65, member of squad 2, his wife Erna Panhayan Tingkayan alias Christine, 58, member of squad 2; Gena Abansa Altuhan alias MK/Mike, 20, medic of squad 2; and Jonardo Manabudan Mantadayun alias Can, 19, medic of squad 3.

They all hailed from Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur.

Alias Tazar, considered the most senior member of the group, joined the communist cause at the age of 12 in 1983.

He said that while he was the commanding officer of HQF Neo, he had a disagreement with other top NPA officials and that the higher hierarchy then took disciplinary action against him, leading to his demotion.

Tazar went on to say that hardships on the mountain, a shortage of food, a loss of leadership, and fear were the reasons he and six others opted to surrender.

It was discovered that the seven are related, and although coming from neighboring provinces, their family now resides in Bukidnon.

Anayron informed that the newly rescued friends are temporarily in their possession.

Meanwhile, Governor Roque informed the former rebels that the provincial government is aiding them with their basic necessities.

He asked the formers to be patient as they waited for aid from the national government.

Ellen Salumintao, the provincial social welfare and development officer, stated that her office is supporting in the profiling of the rescued companions as one of the criteria for the delivery of assistance from the national government.

She stated that they will assist in the preparation of necessary documentation to be forwarded to the former rebels’ province of origin for financial assistance.

Previously, the provincial government of Bukidnon provided immediate and livelihood assistance to former rebels who surrendered in Bukidnon, but something has changed beginning in January this year.

Salumintao disclosed that “based on new guidelines, starting January this year, a surrenderee who is resident of Bukidnon will be the only one to be given immediate financial assistance worth P15,000.00 and livelihood assistance worth P50,000.00.”

Meanwhile, Anayron said that they are looking into probable legal actions involving the most recent batch of rescued buddies. He also stated that if there are any, they will file a motion for temporary custody just like what they did on the previous batches of former rebels. (melbmadera)