Several 15th IB intel assets surrendered this month to the New People’s Army (NPA)-Southwest Negros (Armando Sumayang Jr Command) in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. The intel agents confessed their 15th IB-assigned mission and duties upon surrendering to the people’s army unit.

NPA-Southwest Negros spokesperson Ka Andrea Guerrero said the people’s army accepted their surrender and withdrawal from military intelligence work. The spokesperson explained that the unit accepted them as they have not yet committed any harm or blood debts against the revolutionary movement and the people.

The series of NPA-Southwest Negros’ armed actions in recent months reportedly compelled the 15th IB intel agents to surrender. In several incidents, the attacks targetted other intel assets who joined combat operations that resulted in major crimes against the people.

NPA-Southwest Negros attacks against intel assets most recently included the killing of Garde Francisco on the night of October 3 in Sitio Lumbia, Barangay Kamansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. Francisco was involved in state forces’ three major cases of extrajudicial killings of civilians and revolutionary leaders, including NDFP Consultant Ericson Acosta.

“The movement has open doors to intel agents who surrender voluntarily and are not guilty of any offense,” Ka Andrea stated. She said those who surrender can be assured of safety, just like those who surrendered earlier.

She added that the people’s army will recognize those who wish to surrender and that the revolutionary movement will even welcome it. This proves that they have realized the cruelty and terrorism of the 15th IB, the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the National Task Force-Elcac towards civilian communities.

Ka Andrea further stated that the AFP, NTF-Elcac, and the Marcos regime do not truly care about these intel assets. “They do not even claim them, and only remunerate them with cash or temporary freedom. This does not solve the most basic problems of the people regarding poverty and lack of land and jobs,” she said.