2 NPA members yield

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 20): 2 NPA members yield

TWO MEMBERS of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the troops of the 73rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Pag-asa, Alabel, Sarangani Province on Saturday afternoon.

Capt. McGary Dida, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 1002nd Infantry Brigade, told TIMES that the returnees belonged to the Guerrilla Front 71.

Dida identified them as alias Dodong, 19, resident of Barangay Pag-asa, Alabel; and alias Mario, 40, resident of Barangay Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani. They brought along their M16 and AK47 rifles.

Dodong said that he surrendered because he could no longer stomach what they were ordered to do, “especially when were told to harass our fellow Lumads in the community.”

Meanwhile, Mario said that he’s already old and “tired of hiding in the jungle because of the intensive military operation.”

The former rebels will be presented to the LGU of Sarangani for immediate assistance. They will also be enrolled in the Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

It can be recalled that last Feb. 15, three NPAs who also belonged to the Guerrilla Front 71 surrendered, along with their two M16 rifles and one AK47 rifle, to the troops of the 73rd IB in Barangay Pag-asa.

“We continue to intensify our security operations, community support programs, information gatherings and collaboration with our stakeholders to thwart the atrocities planned by the NPA,” Lt. Col. Marion Angcao, 73rd IB commander, said.

Col. Roberto Ancan, 1002nd Infantry Brigade, commander said that they expect more rebels to surrender as they continue with their livelihood and development programs, with the coordination of the local government units.

“The brigade will continue to intensify its security operation to protect and secure the people in its area of responsibility,” Ancan added.

http://mindanaotimes.net/2-npa-members-yield/