Google map of Claveria town, Misamis Oriental.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Three communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels surrendered Friday in the Misamis Oriental town of Claveria, the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) said on Saturday.
The three rebels were identified as a certain Dino, a platoon leader; his wife Dina, a medic; and another NPA regular. Their identities were concealed for security reasons, 58IB said in a statement.
Dino was quoted by 58IB as saying they decided to yield because he wanted to raise his family outside the communist movement.
He said the NPA "propaganda of equal rights to all is just a decisive way to gain more members and supporters.
The 58IB said the three rebels surrendered two high-power firearms, assorted ammunition, subversive documents, and a laptop.
"We realized that there's no purpose for our armed struggle, so I suggested to my colleagues that we go down (from the mountains) and lay down our arms and carve our own future,"58IB quoted Dino as saying.
Lt. Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, 58IB commander, said the series of surrenders among the NPA ranks in the province was "a strong indication" that the communist rebel in the area is "on the brink of collapse."
Earlier four high-ranking NPA leaders and six other rebels perished during the clashes with government troops at the Misamis Oriental and Agusan Norte borders early last month.
"Alias Dino and two others will be enrolled in the Enhanced Local Integration Program for them to receive benefits for choosing the road to peace," Canatoy said. (PNA)
