NPA leader surrenders in South Cotabato

From the Manila Times (Sep 10, 2023): NPA leader surrenders in South Cotabato (By Franz R. Sumangil)

A LEADER of the communist New People's Army (NPA) operating in South Cotabato province has decided to abandon the rebel movement and surrender to the military, authorities announced Friday.

Lt. Col. Carlyleo Nagac, the Philippine Army's 5th Special Forces Battalion commander, identified the NPA leader only as "Mateo," 35, who turned over a.38-caliber revolver and an M16 rifle when he showed up at a military detachment in Lamlahak, Lake Sebu town, South Cotabato, on Thursday.

"Mateo is a squad leader of the NPA operational command, Far South Mindanao Region movement," Nagac said.

Mateo told military authorities that he decided to come down after being with the movement for seven years and reunite with his family after realizing his group's armed struggle was going nowhere.

Nagac presented Mateo to Brig. Gen. Andre Santos, the Army's 1st Mechanized Brigade commander, who said the rebel leader's surrender was an indication of a weakening communist movement.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, 6ID commander, lauded Mateo for choosing the path to peace.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/10/regions/npa-leader-surrenders-in-south-cotabato/1909328