Thursday, January 18, 2018

Rebel couple surrenders to army

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 18): Rebel couple surrenders to army

TWO TOP leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the soldiers of 27th Infantry battalion in South Cotabato on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018.

Capt. Mc Gary Dida, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 1002nd Infantry Brigade, identified them to TIMES as Noel Minioto alias Ka Efren, deputy secretary of Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR), and his wife, Jeanalyn Defensor Bendalian, the medical staff of FSMR.
 
The couple turned themselves in to the army through the help of South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes.

Legazpi joined the movement in 1992 after becoming a leftist leader for the youth. After six years, he became a full-time member of NPA and rose through the ranks.
No matter what we did, we couldn’t overthrow the government through our armed struggle,” he said, adding that the development program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has been a very effective tool in delivering basic services to far-flung barangays.

“Ka Efren’s surrender is a proof of the strong credibility being enjoyed by the government,” Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander 27IB battalion commander, said.

“With our intensive security operations and continuous collaboration with our stakeholders, we can align our efforts in attaining peaceful and conflict resilient communities within our area of operation,” Col. Roberto Ancan, the 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander, said.

Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, 10th Infantry Division commander, hoped that the efforts of the government against insurgency will be sustained.

“This very significant development only indicates that not only the regular members and the mass supporters of the NPAs are tired of the armed struggle, even their top leaders already realized its futility,” he said.

Fuentes also assured the couple that they would be given ample support by the government so they can resume their normal lives.
 

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