Ten New People’s Army rebels surrendered to the 56th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Gamot, Barangay Sta. Felomina, Quezon, Bukidnon last Saturday, Nov. 2.
Capt. John Louie Dema-ala, the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 56th IB, said the 10 rebels belong to the Ata-Manobo tribe in the area.
They turned over 11 high-powered firearms and one GL 40mm M203 grenade launcher, 73 long magazines, 17 short magazines; five rifle grenades; four hand grenades, one anti-personnel mine; 31 cartridges of 40mm HE M2O3; 2,277 rounds of 5.56mm ball; three rolls of assorted wires; 10 bandoleers; four commercial radios, assorted medical paraphernalia, and personal belongings.
Gov. Edwin I. Jubahib visited the said group and subsequently handed over cash assistance. He also promised that the province of Davao del Norte will help make their transition to mainstream society easier.
“Your decision to surrender is correct,” he said, adding that they now have the opportunity to spend time with their families.
Later, the 10 were transported to the headquarters of the 56th IB in Barangay Sto Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
