CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Philippine Army’s 401st Infantry “Unite N Fight” Brigade announced the collapse of the Communist rebels’ Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) after four top rebels surrendered to avail themselves of the government’s amnesty program.
Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, reported on Tuesday that four remaining top New People’s Army (NPA) rebels descended from their mountain hideout in Surigao del Sur to surrender last week.
The surrenderers were identified as Lovilito Lamela, alias “Bero/Hapon,” squad leader of the Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG), and Gina Sawanalilas, alias “LG,” medical officer.
They yielded an AK-47 rifle, rifle grenade, scope, and assorted ammunition.
Two other top leaders, Eusebio “Silvio” Gultiano Peru, alias “Lee/Tarzan,” surrendered last May 16 to the Army and police in Marihatag town, while Cherry Tremidal Neniel, alias “Lemon,” a squad leader of the sub-regional rebel group, also surrendered and turned over her R4 assault rifle in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.
Last May 7, an active NPA member operating in the hinterlands of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, surrendered to avail himself of the amnesty program.
Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Ford C. Libre, commanding officer of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion, said in a report that Jerry Marapao Deligero, also known as “Adao-Adao,” a member of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, descended from his mountain hideout and turned over firearms and ammunition.
His surrender followed sustained military operations and outreach efforts by government troops.
Deligero cited hunger, severe hardship, and physical exhaustion as key reasons for his decision.
"He was also influenced by information about the government’s reintegration programs and recognized the weakening state of their organization, which led him to abandon armed struggle and choose a peaceful life,” Libre said.
The Army reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending insurgency and supporting former rebels.
He emphasized that the military remains ready to assist those who choose to return to the fold of the law.
Deligero will undergo processing for enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in coordination with the local government unit.
