Army troops capture NPA rebels in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 26): Army troops capture NPA rebels in Bukidnon

Troops of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) apprehended two alleged NPA members in Purok 3, barangay Banlag in Valencia City, Bukidnon province while the soldiers are conducting security patrol in the area, November 24.

Persistent reports from the local residents was received by government troops about the presence of armed persons believed to be NPA rebels who are roaming around the outskirts of the barangay and doing extortion activities.

Ramelito Libra, Sr, 45 years old, and Ramelito C. Libra, Jr, 24 years old, both residents of Purok 1 of same barangay, were apprehended by the troops upon noticing that Ramelito Libra, Sr was carrying a caliber .357 revolver.

Also found in the possession of his son, Ramelito Libra, Jr. was one rifle grenade live ammunition.

The apprehended persons were immediately brought to Valencia City Police Station for proper custody as both personalities will be facing charges on illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

Meantime, a former rebel belonging to the Guerilla Front 6, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, who has abandoned the NPA's armed struggle due to disgruntlement on false promises by the rebels, has identified the arrested persons to be his former comrades in the said rebel group.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the 8IB are still determining if there are other cases filed against the two suspected NPA members.

In a statement, Ltc Lennon G Babilonia INF (GSC) PA, commanding officer of 8IB, has called upon the NPA rebels to lay down their arms and abandon the armed struggle.

"With the extortion activities and various exploitations that the communist rebels have been doing, no one really likes the NPA anymore,” said Babilonia.

He further said people are already very vigilant and supportive to the members of the security sector like the Army and the PNP hence the success of our security operations as evidenced by the apprehension of these two suspected NPA rebels.

Babilonia thus enjoin the rebel brothers to surrender rather than be put into harm's way.

The commanding general emphasized the government is always willing to accept them and help them out as they start your lives anew through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) where the government is giving away P65,000.00 as a livelihood assistance.

“Let us not waste this opportunity. We should stop fighting each other. Instead, we should all work together for peace." says Babilonia. (Norman M Tagros/8IB/PA)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1461448612027/army-troops-capture-npa-rebels-in-bukidnon