6 communist rebels surrender in Sarangani

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 22): 6 communist rebels surrender in Sarangani

At least six New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including an amazon, surrendered as the military intensified its pursuit operation against the communist rebel group following recent skirmishes in the hinterland village in Alabel, Sarangani which left seven rebels dead.

Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac, 73rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the NPA rebels decided to surrender after their leaders abandoned them while they were on the run from government forces who had been hunting them down.

The military identified the NPA surrenderees as Arnold Sawal Budiong, alias Mark, 21, of Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani. He serves as education officer of NPA Guerilla Front 75.

The others were: Bedeo Ansay alias Rik-Rik, 21, of Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel; Joey  Tamba, alias Louie, 19, a resident of Barangay Tamban, Malungon, Sarangani and team leader FG-75: Marilou Intan Dela Cruz alias Mercy, 21, a resident of Barangay Datal Anggas and medical personnel; Michael Calapong alias Jicky, 23, a resident of Barangay Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental and NPA vice team leader; and Odoy Maway Malbino, alias Renan of Barangay Manuel Peralta, Malita, Davao Occidental who turned in one M16 Armalite rifle.

Babac said the NPA surrenderees were among the group of  40 NPA rebels figured in an encounter with Army troops in Barangay Datal Anggas in Alabel town last February 16 which resulted in the death of seven NPA rebels including their commander Toletino Bariquit, alias Brigol and the seizure of at least nine high-powered firearms.

The NPA surrenderees said their local commanders had abandoned them after they splintered into groups after suffering heavy casualties during the skirmishes with government forces.

They were placed under the custody of the 73rd IB which will turnover them to their respective local government units for the provision of livelihood assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

http://www.mb.com.ph/6-communist-rebels-surrender-in-sarangani/