Government forces recorded two separate gains in anti-insurgency operations in the Bicol Region after two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered and an arms cache was recovered in Camarines Sur and Masbate.
On July 9, Jericho Umali, also known as “Dong-Dong” and “Agaton,” surrendered to government authorities at the Office of the Mayor in Pamplona, Camarines Sur.
According to authorities, Umali was a member of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya 2 (KLG2), Sub-Regional Committee 1 under the Bicol Regional Party Committee.
On July 10, Ramon Golpo, also known as “Raffy” and “RM,” also surrendered to the 22nd Infantry (Valor) Battalion and the Office of the Mayor of Pamplona.
Authorities identified Golpo as a member of KLG2, Sub-Regional Committee 3 and former vice commanding officer of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit. During his surrender, he turned over one M16A1 rifle.
In a separate operation on July 11, troops from the 903rd Infantry (Patriot) Brigade recovered an arms cache in Sitio Valley Farm, Barangay Tigbao, Milagros, Masbate.
The military said the recovered items included a KG9 submachine gun, improvised explosive devices, rifle grenades, ammunition, magazines, blasting materials, and other combat equipment believed to belong to the NPA.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the surrender of former rebels and the recovery of weapons reduced the operational capability of the armed group in the region.
Authorities attributed the accomplishments to sustained intelligence and security operations, as well as cooperation among local government units, law enforcement agencies, and local communities under the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach.
The military said efforts to encourage remaining armed group members to surrender and support peace initiatives in Southern Luzon will continue.
