SURRENDERERS. A couple signifies their exit from the communist New People’s Army in simple rites to military authorities in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. The couple said they feared for their lives due to ongoing military operations against the communist rebels in the province. (Photo courtesy of Army’s 5SFB)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A couple affiliated with the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the military in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on Tuesday evening.
In a report on Monday Lt. Col. Zandro Alvez, the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion commander, said the couple identified only as “Loloy” and “Lalay”, turned in their M16 and M14 rifles in simple rites.
Alvez said the couple, both operating under the NPA Platoon Madrid of the South Regional Command Daguma, feared for their safety due to continuous military operations against the communist rebels in the peripheries of Barangay Ned of the municipality. “Loloy” worked as a political instructor while his wife “Lalay” was a medic.
“People are becoming more discerning and capable of distinguishing between the truth and lies,” 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade chief Brig. Gen. Pedro Balisi Jr.
Maj. Gen. Roy Galido of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division said the government’s “whole of nation approach” in addressing insurgency is gaining headway.
“I am glad that in the area of operation of Joint Task Force Central (JFTC), we are winning the war against the communists and we are building peaceful and progressive communities,” said Galido, who is also JTFC commander. Since January this year, the JTFC said 119 NPA rebels surrendered to authorities in Central Mindanao. (PNA)
