2 rebels surrender at the start of army offensive operation in Caraga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 7): 2 rebels surrender at the start of army offensive operation in Caraga

Two regular members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) in this province have surrendered to the 3rd Special Forces Battalion based in Bayugan City on Monday, February 6, 2017. They brought with them one M16, two garand, one carbine, one Light Anti-Tank Weapon and two IEDs.

The surenderees who were identified as Jerry Petelo alias ‘Wawie’ and Rany Ayawon alias ‘Dondon’ of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Party Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA operating in Agusan Norte and Agusan del Sur cited their frustration against the NPA leadership after their promised allowances were no longer given. The fear of the incoming army offensive was also among the reasons for their surrender.

The two surrenderees further revealed that a lot of their NPA companions in their unit share the same sentiment after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the unilateral ceasefire earlier declared. They said that many have already left their unit for good while others are planning to surrender.

Lt. Col. Cristobal Zaragoza, Brigade Commander of the 401st Brigade, assured the duo that they will be treated well and will be assisted in their return to the mainstream society per instruction of MGen. Benjamin Madrigal, the 4th Infantry Division Commander.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero of the Eastern Mindanao Command congratulated the 401st Brigade especially Capt. Jasper Bayrante and CInsp. Rommel Villamor for ensuring the safety of the two NPA-surrenderees when they extricated from their main group.

Also, the duo will be given their benefits under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government and incentives for the firearms they have returned to start a new life.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2041486455856/2-rebels-surrender-at-the-start-of-army-offensive-operation-in-caraga