A Commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) and four others surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion and the 56th Infantry Battalion in Asuncion, Davao del Norte at 2 p.m. last Friday.
Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, identified the leader as Sison, 34, alleged company commander of the Section Committee 3, Sub-Regional Command 4, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. He was also a member of the Ata-Manobo tribe in Sitio Taguango, Barangay Sua-on, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.
The three others were alias JR, 25, team leader of Andoy Platoon of the same section committee and resident of Sitio Taguango, Sua-on; Eugene, 22, team leader of Andoy Platoon and resident of Sitio Basilica, Barangay La Fortuna, Veruela, Agusan del Sur; and Cristina, 19, of Secom 3 and a member of the Agusanon tribe and resident of Sitio Basilica.
During the initial interview, they revealed that they were left behind by their comrades in Sitio Kilangkog, Barangay Kauswagan, Loreto, Agusan del Sur. Fearful for their safety, they decided to surrender instead.
Maj. Gen. Noel S Clement, commander of the 10th ID commended troops’ accomplishment.
“When people knew and benefited from the government programs, they are empowered to tell others. The surrender of the NPA leader, who feared for his life, together with his three comrades, is an indicator of the growing united people’s support for ending armed struggle in attaining long and lasting peace,” Clement said.
The surrenderees are currently undergoing interview/custodial debriefing at headquarters if the 60IB.
Meanwhile, another NPA member surrendered to the soldiers of 56th Infantry Battalion at its headquarters in Barangay Sto Niño, Talaingod thru the efforts of a concerned citizen.
Lamosao identified him alias Alex, a member of Iskwad Tersera, Platoon Caloy, Guerrilla Front 53, operating in municipalities of Quezon, Kitaotao, Kibawe, Damulog, Dangcagan and parts of San Fernando, all of Bukidnon .
He said he also handed over his M16 rifle, four rifle grenades, and detonating switch with two batteries, to Lt. Col. Edwin Paredes, the battalion commander.
