NPA squad leader, 2 pals surrender in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 4, 2024): NPA squad leader, 2 pals surrender in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDER. Military and local officials welcome three former communist rebels into the fold of the law after their surrender to the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, on Tuesday (June 4, 2024). The rebels received a livelihood package from the local government unit of Lebak. (Photo courtesy of 37IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Three communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including a squad leader, voluntarily surrendered to the government on Tuesday morning, a military official said.

Lt. Col. Christopherson Capuyan, commander of the Philippine Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion, said the three rebels had turned in a .60-caliber machinegun and two Garand rifles during surrender rites at its headquarters in Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

Capuyan said the squad leader belonged to the Dabudabu Platoon of Regional Sentro de Gravedad of the Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR), while the two other rebels were under Platoon Baghdad and Platoon Beijing.

He said the surrenderers cited hardships and the difficulties of being always on the run in the mountains, evading government forces.

Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, said the trio also decided to come down to reunite with their families.

“The ongoing military operation, coupled with the lack of food in the forests, compelled the three to surrender,” Santos said.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, also lauded the surrenderers, telling them they "made a good decision."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226229