CAMP LEON KILAT, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental – ANOTHER dissatisfied member of the Terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered with his firearms to the troops of 16th Scout Ranger Company (16SRC) under 302nd Infantry (Achiever) Brigade at Barangay Carabalan, Himalayan City, Negros Occidental on Friday, January 08, 2021.
Col. Leonardo Pena, Commander of the 302nd Brigade-Philippine Army, identified the returnee as Jerryd Gargoles, also known in the movement as “Sargent/Angel”, 21, team leader of Squad 1, Regional Strike Force (RSF), Komiteng Rehiyon Negros-Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor (KR NCBS).
The following items were likewise surrendered by Gargoles including 1 caliber pistol, 1 Intratec KG-9 caliber 9mm and different ammunitions and subversive documents.
Peña warmly welcomed the returnee who apparently realized that his life in the communist movement will just go astray.
The Army Brigade Commander said, “We are thankful for this achievement of our troops; I commend the 16th Scout Ranger Company under Capt. Roldan Pangilinan for a job well done. It also proved the professionalism of our Scout Rangers that they are indeed – A Force for Peace! I also thank Mr. Gargoles, for his decision to lay down his arms and move out from the deceitful belief that the CPP-NPA imparts to their recruits and their members,”.
“With the whole of government approach through the Task Force-ELCAC, we will help Jerryd restore a normal life with his love ones. This is a clear manifestation that members of the CPP-NPA are losing their will to fight and the confidence with their movement because of their falsehearted ideology.” Pena said.
“We encourage the remaining members of the terrorist group to heed the government’s call for peace. Our relentless effort to hunt you down will surely give you a miserable life. With the help of our Lord and the community, we will end this problem that has been going on for five (5) decades. Rest assured that your Army in Negros will continuously support the local government to protect the Negrosanons from the hands of the communist terrorist group,” He stressed.