Govt’s Life-changing Programs encourages communist rebel to Lay down Arms

Denmark Uba alias DINO/TIKBOY, member of the CPP-NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee decided to lay down his AK47 rifle and surrender today, August 27, 2022, to the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) headed by Gov. Victor J. Yu.

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) facilitated the return of Denmark to the folds of the law.

In a statement, Gov. Yu said the government is always ready to help and welcome CPP-NPA terrorists who would lay down their arms.

Denmark, in a statement earlier, said that he left the CPP-NPA after witnessing the government’s life-changing programs like the Project Good Life of 53IB offered to rescued former rebels and numerous developmental projects in the hinter barangays .

Meanwhile, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Terence Ylanan expressed his gratitude to Gov. Yu for his support as the PTF-ELCAC Chairperson.

“The convergence of effort by the LGU, NGA, Civil Society and the Philippine Army here in Zamboanga del Sur is the crucial ingredient in maintaining an insurgency-free province,” said Lt. Col. Ylanan.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, who has operational jurisdiction over Zamboanga Peninsula, encouraged those still in the hinterlands to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law.

“We will sustain our military efforts in the hinterlands to maintain and sustain the peace, and encourage our remaining enemies to go back to the folds of law,” said Brig. Gen. Nicolas.

Also present are San Miguel mayor and MTF-ELCAC Chairperson Hon. Ex Ocapan and Department of Interior and Local Government – 9 (DILG-IX) LGMED Chief Mr. Jose Ruel Trobanos who represented DILG-IX Regional Director Paisal Abutazil.