SURRENDER. One of the six New People's Army surrenderers hands over his firearm to a military officer at the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, on Monday (Jan. 18, 2020). Military officials say the former rebels will be enrolled with the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy of 37IB)
COTABATO CITY – Six more communist rebels who had been on the run in the South Cotabato hinterlands amid the military's offensives have decided to surrender in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat province.
Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) based in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, said the surrenderers are from Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, who had been evading military operations at the borders of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani.
Uy, also the concurrent commander of Joint Task Force Central, said the six were all members of the New People’s Army (NPA) Platoon West (Samsung), Guerilla Front (GF) Musa, Far South Mindanao Region.
“They voluntarily surrendered to the 37th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat at around 5 p.m. Monday,” Uy said.
He identified the surrenderers as Tener Mantang Maquil, Anamie Maquil Bal-ot, Allan Mistibo Samblang, Tyron Asom Saligan, Timbangan Ganang Maquil, and Mike Ganang Maquil--all belonging to the Manobo tribe.
The group turned in an M-14 assault rifle, two 9mm submachine guns, and two .45-caliber pistols and bullets.
During the initial debriefing, Uy said the group decided to yield after realizing they were "duped" to rebel against the government.
Lt. Col Allen Van Estrera, the 37IB commander, said the surrender of the six NPAs was realized through the efforts of the 37IB, 38IB, and the 5th Special Forces Battalion.
Col. Eduardo Gubat, 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, welcomed the six to the folds of the law.
“We assure that they will be provided with the necessary assistance as they return to the fold of the law,” Gubat said.
Last year, 75 members of NPA GF Musa yielded to the military in Central Mindanao. (PNA)
