TAGOLOAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — The 4th Mechanized Infantry “Kalasag” Battalion of the Philippine Army facilitated the surrender of alias Rex, a high-ranking member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).
Rex is the former Vice Commanding Officer of the Main Area Platoon, Guerrilla Front (GF) 8, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, and Sec Sangay sa Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Peacock, GF 88, North-Central Mindanao Regional Committee based in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
The 42nd Mechanized Infantry Company of the Kalasag Battalion, led by 1st Lieutenant Raymund Macandili, under the leadership of their Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Mark Malinit, facilitated the surrender as a result of their intensified intelligence and psychological operations.
Reports have revealed that the former rebel decided to surrender due to the hardships and pressure caused by intensified, focused military operations. These operations neutralized their movements, leading to fears of potential encounters with government forces. Additionally, they lacked resources and financial support from their organizations.
The 42nd Mechanized Infantry Company then coordinated with Tagoloan’s local government unit and the Municipal Police Station (MPS) in the area to surrender and turn over loose firearms to military forces.
“I would like to commend the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, especially to the 42nd Mech Company, wala tayo dito kung wala ‘yung mga trabaho na ginagawa nila (we wouldn’t be here without the work that they do),” said BGen. Anthon G. Abrina, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade.
Also present during the surrender were Tagoloan Mayor Maminta Dimakuta, Vice-Mayor Abdullah Dimakuta, and Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Merychell Seronay, Police Major Yasser Andog Macalimbon of the Philippine National Police MPS-Tagoloan; Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office Provincial Director Police Colonel Roy Magsalay; and Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Bruce A. Collao. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
