Army commanders laud 'lumad' leaders in Davao del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26): Army commanders laud 'lumad' leaders in Davao del Norte

Leaders of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) or "lumads" in the province of Davao del Norte were commended by top military officers for their continued support to peace and development programs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Brig. Gen. Macairog Alberto, commander of 1001st Infantry Brigade, also encouraged the IP leaders to continue helping the government in convincing tribal members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to go back to the folds of the law and avail the various programs and opportunities being offered by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The efforts of IP leaders in the area allowed the safe surrender of a member of Basil Platoon, Pulang Bagani Command 4 of the NPA Southern Mindanao Region on Tuesday.

Alias Samson, 28, a resident of Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, surrendered to the elements of 60th Infantry Battalion (IB). He yielded an AK-47 rifle, an improvised grenade launcher and M60 machine gun ammunition.

Samson’s surrender was facilitated by the local tribal chieftains of Gupitan led by Datu Laris Masaloon.

Alberto personally received and welcomed Samson back to mainstream society, and assured him that all available assistance and services of the government, through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), will be provided to him.

Like Alberto, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Canilla, 60th IB commander, also urged other NPA members to surrender so they can avail of programs offered by the government.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/982731