DAVAO CITY -- Two ranking members of the New People's Army's (NPA) Pulang Bagani Command 2 who recently surrendered were presented to Mayor Sara Duterte on Thursday.
Lt. Col. Oscar Partuza, the 3rd Infantry Battalion commander, identified the surrenderers as Nelson Tangaro, alias Bong, 31, PBC 2 commander; and Bernie Papaya, alias Igong, 33, PBC 2 vice commander, who both surrendered on March 23, a day after an encounter in Sitio Kiandong, Barangay Tambobong, Baguio District.
Partuza said the two were presented to the mayor on the sidelines of the turnover of leadership of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade based in Purok 9, Barangay Mahayag, Bunawan District.
Partuza said the two also turned over two M16 rifles, a .45-caliber pistol, a Glock 17 pistol with PNP markings, and a hand grenade.
Government troops also recovered from the encounter area several firearms, including an M4 carbine rifle, and seven M16 rifles.
In an interview, Tangaro said the hardships and hunger inside the communist movement are the main reasons they returned to the government fold.
"For eight years inside the movement I found out that we are just being deceived and used," he said, adding that he is tired of running and hiding from government troops.
On the other hand, Papaya said he was enticed by the government's program for the rebel returnees, particularly the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Partuza said the two men will be processed for enrollment in the E-CLIP, on top of the assistance from Mayor Sara. (PNA)
