THIRTEEN alleged members of the New People’s Army brought along five high-powered rifles as they turned themselves in on Saturday to the 1001st Infantry Battalion headquarters in Compostela Valley.
Capt. Rhyan B. Batchar, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, identified the rebels as Roberto Hiyan alias Bobby Dallas, commanding officer of Milisya ng Bayan (MB) of Dallas, Pentagon, and Sapang Lubog with 12 of his followers.
Bobby with alias Bebiano, Remno, Benigno and Isagani surrendered to the operating troops of 46th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Diat Palo, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan.
They also turned over an M60 general purpose machine gun (GPMG), two M16A1 Armalite rifles, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, one small improvised explosives with detonating device, blasting cap and battery, one commercial high frequency (HF) radio with charger and subversive documents.
Upon learning of Bobby’s surrender, eight other MB members together with their families also surrendered to 46th IB at Sitio Logpaton, Barangay Kingking, Pantukan.
The former MBs and their families were immediately evacuated out of the area for security considerations.
The 10th ID medical team and chaplain service, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office as well as the social welfare office and health office of Pantukan conducted medical assessment and initial debriefing of the surrenderees.
They were also provided with food packs and immediate personal needs.
Col. Macairog Alberto, 1001st brigade commander, said, “their return was the result of our intensified operation and our sincere intention to assist them in joining the mainstream society.”
“They chose to trust us and they realized that peace and development is the solution,” he added. “We further encourage the other members of the armed lawless group to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of law.”
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