ORION, Bataan – A suspected top commander of “Sangay sa Partido Platun” Central Luzon Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered to the military after “pressure and convincing approach” launched by government troops, officials said Friday.

Major General Irineo C. Espino, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, said Felicisimo Jacobe, a.k.a. “Ka Tonio” and “Ka Berny,” peacefully surrendered to Lieutenant Colonel Juny “DJ” Castro, commander of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 7ID, at the Municipal Hall of Orion, Bataan. He later revealed a stockpile of firearms and bullets owned by the rebels.

The 703rd Brigade Commander, Col Jose Z Mabanta Jr, in his report to Major General Espino, said the peaceful surrender of Jacobe was a result of a concerted effort of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, local government of Orion, led by Mayor Antonio Raymundo Jr., the 304th Provincial Mobile Group led by Superintendent Benjamin Silo, and operatives of 7th Military Intelligence Battalion.

Jacobe later executed an affidavit before the municipal mayor expressing his willful submission to the military and desire to go back to the folds of the law.