6 NPA Members Surrender in Dumingag, ZDS: 53IB Commends Efforts of Matapat Troopers, CAFGUs, Civilian

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) bestowed Letters of Commendation to deserving Enlisted Personnel, CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) personnel, and civilians during the Flag Raising Ceremony on May 24, 2021 at 53IB Headquarters, Camp Maj. David Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

“It is with great pleasure and honor that I commend you for your untiring effort and significant contribution as members of the 53IB, and 1st CMO Battalion, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, for the successful conduct of joint community engagement activities that resulted to the surrender of 6 communist-NPA-terrorists,” 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Herrera

“Such deeds you have shown are indispensable in maintaining the high standards of excellence of our unit. Your contributions to our campaign against CPP-NPA violence are highly commendable and have further brought pride to our Battalion. I urged you to continue your good work with zeal and enthusiasm,” Lt. Col. Herrera said.

The recipients of the Letter of Commendation include the following: SSg. Hernando Hojilla, SSg. Allan Tomo, SSg. Rolly Braga, Sgt. Almajir Igasan, Sgt. Ruel Bajo, Sgt Cirlito Natividad, Cpl. Adjari Awang, Cpl. Reynaldo Ybañez, Pfc. Daniel Rey Solidum, CAA Johnnil Manlawi, CAA Randy Apang, CAA Jorge Manquiquiz, CAA Palmero Floreza, CAA Junder Dionson, CAA Rodel Ellano, Robel Alay, and Ramonito Gomez.

“We are so pleased that we have conducted different successful events in order to win the minds and hearts of the community and to insulate the NPA recruitment,” SSg. Hojilla said.

“Rest assured that we would exert more efforts and do our best to encourage more NPA rebels to surrender,” Pfc. Solidum said.

“We have a lot of things to do in finally ending the communist armed conflict, especially in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur. Continue with your hard work in community engagement activities and being one with the communities for peace and security,” Lt. Col. Herrera said.

The Matapat Troopers’ passion to serve is part of the 53IB’s drive to pursue transformation to become a world-class-Army that is a source of national pride by 2028 in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR).