6 NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31, 2023): 6 NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

GOV’T AID. Mayor Joaquin Concha of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, hands over a check as financial aid to one of six communist rebels who surrendered on Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2023). The New Peoples’ Army fighters yielded after realizing they were fighting a lost cause, Army officials said. (Photo courtesy of 37IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao Norte – Six communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have surrendered to military authorities in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, a military official said Thursday.

In a statement, Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion commander, said he presented the six NPA surrenderers to Kalamansig Mayor Joaquin Concha and Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, at the municipal hall on Wednesday.

Baldomar identified the surrenderers as Richel Gantangan, a political instructor; Wayda Gumpay, a medical officer; and Tirso Sakudal, Siali Digan, Bangbang Gumpay, and Layna Ampit, all members of NPA Platoon Beijing operating in the mountains of Lebak and Kalamansig towns in Sultan Kudarat.

They turned in three rifles to the 37IB following their surrender.

“I am glad you decided to surrender, and I assure you that the local government will provide you with interventions for your reintegration into society,” Santos said even as he lauded the 37IB for the effort to help the surrenderers.

Concha, meanwhile, handed over initial cash and food assistance to the former rebels as they reunited with their respective families.

Since January this year, some 60 NPA fighters have surrendered under the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in its area of operation in Maguindanao Sur, Maguindanao Norte, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208964