Mass surrender of Communist Terrorist supporters in Leyte

By Maj. OTHELO D. YAÑEZ, (FA) PA
December 1, 2007

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar  –  Twenty two (22) Communist Terrorist supporters and sympathizers, all with firearms surrendered to elements of Bravo Company, 19th Infantry Battalion in two (2) separate occasions in Brgys. Taglawigan and Banat-e, all in San Isidro, Leyte.

The surrenderees are members of the Kahugpungang Mag-uuma sa San Isidro (KAMAS), a farmers’ organization who were influenced and deceived by the false promises of the CPP/NPA that they will be given better life if they join the movement.

Their sentiments was further aggravated when the Communist Terrorist movement spokesperson Fr. Santiago Salas admitted to have abducted and subsequently executed elected Barangay chairwoman Elizabeth Gutierez of Barangay Can-iyas, Basey Samar for refusing to cooperate with the movement after she returned to the folds of the law to live a peaceful and normal life. She was branded by the Communist Terrorist as government spy when she refuses not to run as candidate for Barangay Captain during the last October 29, 2007 synchronized Barangay and SK elections. Thus, the surrenderees could not wait with false hopes and become a victim of Communist Terrorists barbaric acts like those victims in the infamous Mass Grave at Inopacan, Leyte mass killings.

They also surrendered to the government troops following firearms: one (1) Garand rifle, one (1) Home M14, eight (8) Caliber 38 revolvers, two (2) Caliber 3516 revolvers, five (5) caliber 22 revolvers and five (5) Homemade shotguns.

In the recent Tripartite Consultative Assembly with the local government unit of San Isidro, Leyte, 19IB and member of KAMAS, the leaders and members of KAMAS signified to support the efforts of the military to provide a more peaceful and secured community  in the province of Leyte.

Major General Armando L Cunanan AFP, the Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division commended the officers and men of 19th Infantry Battalion for their successful effort of convincing the group to join mainstream society.