5 NPAs with high-powered fire arms surrender

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 13): 5 NPAs with high-powered fire arms surrender

Five high-powered fire arms were formally surrendered by five (5) members of the New People’s Army to the 75th Infantry (Marauder) Battalion, Philippine Army on Monday. Lt. Jolito Borces, civil military operation officer, said five NPA rebels arrived at 75IB Headquarters around 6:30 on Sunday evening namely: Ricky Banding Yambo alias “Ikoy”, Juan Garapan Intua alias Jamal/Arim”, Julius Suan Casan alias “Jomar”, Julie Licardo Bonifacio alias “Albert”, Elfie Casal Pinaloay alias “Emer” and Giovani Juvilla alias “Bunso”.  The said rebels were then led by Alfredo Magadan Asuncion alias “Jack” of Guerrilla Front-3, Southeastern Mindanao Regional Committee operating in the areas of Mongkayo and Laak both of Comval Province and in the Municipality of Sta Josefa and Veruela both of Agusan del Sur. The rebels brought along with them the following five high-powered firearms: one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M653 rifle, two (2) cal. 30 Carbine rifles and one (1) M14 rifle with several live ammunition and magazines. As today, said surrenderees are now at Headquarter of 75IB for some interviews. According to the surrenderees, the misery in life at the mountainous area and uncertainty forced them to return to the folds of law.  Lt Colonel Danilo B. Benavides, Commanding Officer of 75thIB expressed his acknowledgement and gratitude to the surrenderees in their decision to return within the government.  “I am humbly appealing to their comrades (NPA) not to hesitate to do same, approach the army units especially the 75IB. We in the Philippine Army are always in the manner of strengthening our peace and development but without your cooperation we can’t attain it”, Ltc Benavides said.  The Commanding Officer also acknowledged the contribution of those who made the effort possible. (NGBT, PIA-Surigao del Sur with reports from 75IB CMO)
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1741352694915