AN ALLEGED member of the New People’s Army’s liquidation squad surrendered to the 66th Infantry Battalion in Maragusan town, Compostela Valley on Monday, Dec. 18.
Lt. Col. Palmer Parungao, commander of 66th Infantry Battalion based in New Bataan, Compostela Valley, identified him Ronnie Gilbero, allegedly of the Special Partisan Unit of SeCom 27, who brought with him an M653 rifle and M16 rifle, along with three magazines.
He will be enrolled in the local government unit’s reintegration program.
Parungao said that Gilbero surrendered because many of his comrades already abandoned the armed struggle. The rebel returnee also claimed that living on the run has become very difficult, particularly with the intensified military offensives after the peace talks collapsed.
Lt. Col. Palmer Parungao, commander of 66th Infantry Battalion based in New Bataan, Compostela Valley, identified him Ronnie Gilbero, allegedly of the Special Partisan Unit of SeCom 27, who brought with him an M653 rifle and M16 rifle, along with three magazines.
He will be enrolled in the local government unit’s reintegration program.
Parungao said that Gilbero surrendered because many of his comrades already abandoned the armed struggle. The rebel returnee also claimed that living on the run has become very difficult, particularly with the intensified military offensives after the peace talks collapsed.
His surrender was facilitated by alias Lolong, his former comrade, who convinced him to return to the folds of the law.
He further stated that he was hesitant at first because he feared for his life but his comrade assured him of his security.
Antonio C. Lagunsad Jr., also known as Lolong, was also a SPARU member who surrendered to the Charlie company of the same battalion on Nov. 30, a day after his unit encountered the operating troops led by 2LT Danjo Lagula at Purok Atis, Sitio Saranga, Maragusan.
He further stated that he was hesitant at first because he feared for his life but his comrade assured him of his security.
Antonio C. Lagunsad Jr., also known as Lolong, was also a SPARU member who surrendered to the Charlie company of the same battalion on Nov. 30, a day after his unit encountered the operating troops led by 2LT Danjo Lagula at Purok Atis, Sitio Saranga, Maragusan.
Parungao said the intensified operations prevented the NPAs from conducting atrocities as soldiers were able to cut off their supply route, and stop their extortion activities.
For now, the unit is focused on dismantling the armed group and isolating the community from rebel influence. “Now we are seeing significant results,” he said.
He said the surrender of the Red fighters and mass support base is an indication that the unit’s campaign has been very effective.
“We are certain that there are still many of them out there who want to leave the armed struggle but are confused and afraid. Thus, we are calling upon them to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream of the society,” he added.
For now, the unit is focused on dismantling the armed group and isolating the community from rebel influence. “Now we are seeing significant results,” he said.
He said the surrender of the Red fighters and mass support base is an indication that the unit’s campaign has been very effective.
“We are certain that there are still many of them out there who want to leave the armed struggle but are confused and afraid. Thus, we are calling upon them to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream of the society,” he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.