LICUAN-Baay, Abra - The continuous Local Peace Talks being conducted by the members of 41st Infantry (Partner for Peace) Battalion, Philippine Army operationally controlled by 503rd Infantry (Justice and Peace) Brigade, Local Government Units and the populace of Abra have resulted once again to the voluntary surrender of another New People’s Army Remnant on March 29, 2014, which is also the NPA Anniversary.
The rebel returnee was identified as Christopher Bayudang Wayagwag @ GLEN, 29 years old, single and a resident of Sitio Nagpaoayan, Brgy Subagan, Licuan-Baay, Abra. He is the Vice-Team Leader Dos of South Central, Abra Party Committee (APCOM) under NPA remnant leader @ BRAM/ROGER, operating in the municipality of Bucloc, Daguioman, Boliney and Sallapadan (BUDABOSA) Complex, parts of Bucay and upper parts of Licuan-Baay, Abra.
After one year in the NPA organization, AKA @ Glen voluntarily surrendered without firearm to the 41st IB under LTC DANILO R DOMINGO and was accompanied by his family and relatives at Headquarters 41st IB, Sitio Masisiat, Brgy Tumalip, Licuan-Baay, Abra, Lagangilang, Abra. According to Mr. Wayagwag, he decided to surrender because of the hardships and difficulties he experienced while in the organization. He also added that he could no longer bear the atrocities of the NPA remnants and the saying in Ilocano was true that “Awan ti Umuna nga Babawi”( Walang pagsisisi na nasa una).
At present, AKA Glen is still at the custody of 41st IB for his safety. He will undergo the “Kabsat Ko, Ipateg ko” Program for rebel returnees of Governor Eustaquio “Takit” Bersamin. Christopher Wayagwag message is for the other NPA members to follow the 72 fully armed NPA remnants who surrendered to the government in Cagayan de Oro to live peaceful lives and abandon their armed struggle as it is not going anywhere. Time and again, the 503rd Infantry (Justice and Peace) Brigade under the stewardship of COL PAUL T ATAL INF (GSC) PA is urging all the NPA Remnants in Abra, Kalinga and Apayao to abandon their armed struggle and instead to return to the mainstream of society to live peaceful lives. In so doing, they would help in winning the PEACE in Cordillera and consequently, Economic DEVELOPMENT and PROGRESS would follow.
