Surigao del sur: Three former members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) have surrendered on separate occasions, turning over firearms, ammunition, and war materiel to the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), military officials reported Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, one former NPA combatant yielded to the 36IB on Monday in Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel town, handing over an M1 Carbine rifle, a magazine, and 14 rounds of ammunition. Over the weekend, two other former members of the NPA's Militia ng Bayan surrendered in Barangay Awasian, Tandag City. The pair turned over 557 assorted rounds of ammunition, five rifle grenades, 12 magazines, three intravenous (IV) fluid drip sets, and a hand-held radio.
"The series of surrenders is the result of sustained activities conducted by the Community Development Support Teams (CDSTs) of the Army in the province," said 36IB commander Lt. Col. Joselito Ante Jr. in a statement. Ante noted that CDSTs are working closely with government line agencies and local government units to protect and preserve the peace gains achieved in Surigao del Sur. "The voluntary surrender also reflects the cooperation and trust of the people of Surigao del Sur in the government," Ante added.
On June 18, Surigao del Sur and the rest of the Caraga Region were declared to be under Stable Internal Peace and Security, following the dismantling of guerrilla fronts and the collapse of the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, which the Philippine government designates as a terrorist organization.
