Kalinaw News: Four Rebels Surrendered, Arms Cache discovered

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 26, 2022): Four Rebels Surrendered, Arms Cache discovered



MAKILALA, COTABATO – Following the surrender of four members of the New People’s Army on February 24, 2022 to the elements of 39th Infantry Battalion, two arms cache was discovered at Sitio Lacobe, Brgy Malabuan, Makilala, North Cotabato the following day, February 25, 2022.

The first arms cache yielded seven improvised anti-personnel landmines, several landmine making paraphernalia and subversive documents while the second arms cache yielded one M16A1 Rifle; a Bushmaster Rifle and an M4 Rifle.

Reportedly, these firearms belonged to the dismantled Guerilla Front ALIP of the New People’s Army that used to be monitored in the quad-border of Davao Sur-North Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.

On the other hand, the four surrenderees were identified as alias Maymay, former Medic, bringing along one Bushmaster Rifle; alias Jerson, member of Local Guerilla Unit, handling one Garand Rifle; alias Ramram, former Team Leader all of the dismantled GF ALIP; and alias Jegjeg, Commanding Officer of Platoon 1 of the Dismantled GF TALA, having the possession of an improvised M79 Rifle. These surrenderees were all originated from Far South Mindanao Region.

In an interview with the surrenderees, the reasons of their surrender included the dismantling of the organization where they belong, the encouragement of the other surrenderee, and for their peace of mind.

Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Ezra Balagtey, Battalion Commander of 39th Infantry Battalion welcomed the development as it strengthened the peace gains in its area of operation.

“This security development will strengthen the peace gains of the whole community. The recovery of the firearms reduced the NPA’s tool of terror while the surrender of their personnel cut off their contact and reduced the possibility to reestablish mass base.” Balagtey said

The recovered items were brought to the Battalion Headquarters in Brgy. Poblacion, Makilala, North Cotabato for proper disposition while the surrenderees were presently continuously undergoing debriefing.

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