6 NPA members surrender

From Update.Ph (Apr 25): 6 NPA members surrender  

Six former NPA members returned to the folds of the law on March 23 and April 14, 2016 through the efforts of 73rd Infantry Battalion (73IB).

In a press conference held at Headquarters Task Force Gensan on Monday, April 24, the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, 73IB and Task Force Gensan commanders; Col Ronald Villanueva, Ltc Felix Ronnie Babac and Col Paterno Reynato Padua respectively, presented the six Former Rebels (FRs) to the local media of General Santos City.

All six were members of Guerilla Front 71 namely, alias Jomar, alias Jerome, alias Rex, alias Anghel, alias Dondon and alias Daniel. Among them were two minors, Alias Dondon and Alias Daniel, both 17 years old. Alias Jomar brought with him a remote controlled landmine when he submitted himself to 73IB. They jointly revealed that they were deceived by the NPA that led them to join the armed group.

In an earlier interview by troops of 73IB, alias Anghel said that he and other NPA members felt the hardship and trauma after they were encountered by the troops of 73IB last March 28, 2016. He added that two of their members were fatally wounded. Meanwhile, alias Rex said that he was promise a monthly salary of Php2,000 which did not really materialized.

MGen Rafael Valencia, 10ID commander said, “We urge other active members of the NPA to emulate what their former companions did.”

“It is high time that altogether, soldiers, rebels and ordinary citizens alike, should all work towards peace and development without violence and armed struggle,” he added.

(From Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division)

http://www.update.ph/2016/04/6-npa-members-surrender/4693