Three communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have surrendered in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) reported Monday.
In a statement, the 29IB identified the surrenderers as Joem Hurod, 18, a member of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16C1 of Guerrilla Front 16 (GF-16), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC); Bobong Asay, 23, of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad of NEMRC; and Cristian Maca, 19, of the SYPC1, NEMRC.
The three, who yielded before the 26IB headquarters Sunday, also handed over an M16 rifle, an AK-47 rifle, a shotgun, magazines, and ammunition.
The 29IB said the trio decided to surrender due to hunger and hardships in the mountains.
“All they want now is to free themselves from the difficulties they have been through inside the NPA organization and to live peacefully with their families,” the 29IB statement said.
Lt. Col. Cresensio Gargar, the 29IB commander, welcomed the decision of the three rebels to “abandon their lost cause and return to their families.”
He also urged the remaining rebels in Agusan del Norte to follow the example of their former comrades to return to the fold of the law.
“It is not too late for you to have a new and peaceful life. The gate of 29IB is wide open in accepting those who want to surrender,” Gargar said.
He assured the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program will provide support to former rebels as they return to normal lives
Source: Philippines News Agency
