FOR PEACE. Two of the 14 members of the communist New Peoples’ Army have pledged allegiance to the Philippine flag administered by a police officer after their surrender in Surallah, South Cotabato on Saturday (Dec. 16, 2023). Empty promises by NPA leaders made them abandon the group and rejoin the mainstream by availing of the government’s peace offer. (Photo courtesy of PRO-12)
TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat – Fourteen communist rebels have surrendered to police authorities in the past three days in Soccsksargen region to become productive community residents, a regional police official said Monday.
“Ten of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels gave up Monday morning to the Sultan Kudarat provincial police operatives in Barangay Bai Saripinang, Bagumbayan town,” said Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Soccsksargen police office (PRO-12) director.
Macaraeg said the group belonged to the Platoon Cherry Mobile, NPA Front Guerilla Daguma Range-Far South Mindanao Region.
One of the surrenderers, who requested anonymity, claimed that they were promised "wonderful things" if they joined, but instead were subjected to hardships by their NPA leaders.
He and his colleagues turned in an improvised M203 grenade launcher and a .38-caliber revolver.
Meanwhile, four communist rebels– two from Maitum, Sarangani province, and two from Surallah, South Cotabato– also decided to abandon the armed struggle on Dec. 16.
Two rebels surrendered in Barangay Pangi, Maitum, while the other two surrendered in Barangay Centrala, Surallah. They turned over high-powered rifles and two rifle grenades.
Since January, over 120 NPA rebels have surrendered in the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani. (PNA)
