Two New Peoples Army leaders surrendered to elements of the 27th Infantry Battalion and 1002nd Brigade in Sarangani province on Sunday, June 30.
1Lt Efren James Halawig, the Civil-Military Operations officer of 27th IB, identified them as alias Gaw, commanding officer of Yunit Milisya or Milisyang Bayan, and alias Weng, vice team leader of Guerrilla Front 73.
They brought with them one AK47 rifle and one M16 rifle.
Gaw told soldiers that he could no longer stomach what they are forced to do in the movement. Besides, he claimed that her personally witnessed the changes in far-flung villages.
“Developmental projects are now being implemented in the communities,” he said. “There are so many projects to benefit the poor such as farm-to-market roads, free education, health services, and other assistance.”
Lt. Col. Jones Otida, commanding officer of 27th IB, lauded the efforts of the local government to help develop the countryside. “This is why we thank the people who have complemented our efforts by adding social pressure for the NPA terrorists to finally surrender,” he said.
The rebel returnees will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program.
