WOUNDED REBEL. Jonas Angeles, 28, New People’s Army fighter, surrenders to Philippine Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion on Sunday (May 7, 2023) in Carmen, Surigao del Sur. The rebel sustained a gunshot wound in a recent encounter with the government forces. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)
BUTUAN CITY – A wounded New People’s Army (NPA) rebel has surrendered to government troops in Surigao del Sur, the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) said on Monday.
In a statement, the 36IB identified the NPA surrenderer as Jonas Maayo Angeles, of Barangay Pantukan, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur.
Angeles, 32, was a regular member of the Sentro De Grabidad 16, weakened NPA Guerrilla Front 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, the 36IB said.
“Angeles surrendered to the unit’s headquarters on Sunday in Carmen town, Surigao del Sur. He also handed over one M16 rifle with one magazine and 20 rounds of ammunition,” it added.
The rebel sustained a gunshot wound in the body during an encounter with the government forces last April 15 in Barangay Esperanza, Carmen town.
“Based on his revelations, amidst the series of encounters with the government forces, their morale was low as they lack the support of the masses. Exhaustion made him realize to give up and surrender,” the 36IB said.
Lt. Col. Michael Rey Reuyan, 36IB commander, welcomed the surrender of Angeles.
“We are grateful that he decided to return to the fold of the law and start a new life with his family,” he said.
Reuyan also thanked the residents of the different communities in Surigao del Sur for their continuing support of the government’s anti-insurgency campaign. (PNA)
