BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Army in Surigao del Sur welcomed the surrender of two members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) on Sunday (February 23).
In a statement Monday, Captain Jonald Romorosa, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion, identified the NPA members only as "JR", 32, and "Jay", 33, both residents of San Miguel town and members of the Manobo tribe.
Romorosa said the two NPA rebels surrendered at the 36IB headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago municipality.
JR, a combatant under the NPA's Guerrilla Front 19, turned over an M16 rifle and ammunition, while Jay, an assistant team leader of the rebels' militia unit, surrendered a .45-caliber pistol and ammunition.
“They voluntarily surrendered because they could no longer endure the hardships inside the communist movement,” Romorosa said.
Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36IB commander, attributed the surrender to the support of the leaders of the Manobo tribe in the province. He added that the Army's development interventions in conflict-affected communities have also helped convince rebels to return to the fold of the law.
Moreover, Diagmel said the "relentless military operations" in areas known to have NPA presence have also constrained the movements of the rebels.
Diagmel said he hopes the NPA combatants in Surigao del Sur "are now aware of the genuine offer of the government towards achieving peace and development”.
“Surrender and lay down your arms, return to the folds of the law and live in normal and productive lives. Help the government to achieve a long and lasting peace that every peace-loving Surigaonons are longing for,” Diagmel said. (PNA)
Army welcomes surrender of NPA members in Surigao Sur
By Alexander Lopez
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