2 NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Two members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to authorities in Lebak town, Sultan Kudarat province after they survived a clash with government forces in the area, an official bared Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Guillermo Mabute Jr., commander of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (IB), welcomed the two rebels during surrender rites held in Barangay Salangsang, Lebak, on Monday.

Mabute identified the ex-NPA fighters through their aliases as "Malakas" and "Justice," both active members of the Baghdad Platoon, NPA Daguma Command, Far South Mindanao Region.

The surrenderers handed over an M16 rifle and an M14 assault rifle with ammunition.

Mabute lauded the intelligence information provided by residents in the village that helped in the surrender of the rebels.

“We were continuously monitoring their whereabouts after the recent encounter with troops of the 57IB in the nearby municipalities where they have scampered into different directions following the clash,” he said.

Mabute described the duo’s surrender as a “right move” to be with their families again.

“Their families are residing in our area of responsibility (AOR) so they will soon be reunited with their respective families,” he said.

Major Gen. Alex Rillera, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) commander, said the two surrenderers will be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other “Balik-Loob” aid packages of the Sultan Kudarat provincial government.

“The 6ID is reiterating its call to remaining NPAs operating in our AOR to peacefully return to the folds of the law and avail various amelioration benefits offered by the government,” Rillera, also the commander of Joint Task Force Central, said.

Last month alone, at least 10 communist rebels surrendered to the Army’s ID area of operation in the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur. (PNA)