2 more NPA men surrender

From the Sun Star-Davao (Jan 25): 2 more NPA men surrender

TWO members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to government troops in Barangay Gupitan in Kapalong town, Davao del Norte on Saturday evening.

But the Army's 10th Infantry Division spokesperson First Lieutenant Vergel Lacambra refused to identify the rebel returnees for safety reasons.

Lacambra said the two rebels are former members of the NPA's Guerilla Front 34 of Southern Mindanao Sub-Regional Committee.

He added that the two turned themselves over to the Army's 60th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Patil around 6 p.m. of Saturday.

"According to them, disillusionment in the underground organization and the hardship in the mountains made them decide to return to the folds of the law," Lacambra said.

The 10th Infantry Division noted the increase of rebel surrenderees.

Last week, an NPA rebel armed with .45 caliber pistol and a fragmentation grenade also surrendered to troops in Paquibato, Davao City.

Lacambra said 10 more rebels surrendered to government troops in different areas of responsibility of the division during the month-long suspension of military operations (Somo) this year.

The 10th ID commander Major General Eduardo Año earlier said the increase in the numbers of rebel returnees is a sign that a growing demoralization among their ranks is now taking place.

"We are again calling on our brothers [and sisters] who are still in far-flung areas, continuously deceived by the communist propaganda to lay down their arms and embrace a peaceful life," Año said.

Lacambra said the rebel surrenderees will soon avail themselves of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of Davao Del Norte after undergoing some procedures.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/01/25/2-more-npa-men-surrender-388565