SURRENDERED FIREARMS. Some of the firearms surrendered by four New People’s Army rebels in South Cotabato on June 24 and June 26, respectively. The Army’s 6th Infantry Division called on the NPA in Central Mindanao Tuesday (June 28, 202) to turn themselves in or face their fate from pursuing government forces. (Photo courtesy of 5th Special Forces Battalion)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Four New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels separately surrendered to authorities in South Cotabato, the military said Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Zandro Alvez, Army's 5th Special Forces Battalion commander, said the rebels yielded in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, on June 21 and June 24; the other two also surrendered separately in the towns of T’boli and Banga on June 26.
Alvez said the four surrenderers turned over an SLR rifle, two Carbine rifles, a Thompson submachine gun, a .45-caliber pistol, an anti-personnel mine, and ammunition.
Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said they expect more rebels to surrender as the military intensifies its operations against lawless groups in Central Mindanao.
“We appeal to all terrorists still up there in the mountains to surrender and avail of government’s peace programs. For those who chose to fight, we are ready to ensure the safety of our people,” Capulong said.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The National Democratic Front was formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)
