A communist bomb expert and a sniper who earlier surrendered to the 10th Infantry Division led soldiers to a spot where they hid improvised explosive device (IED) components and two motorcycles in New Bataan, Compostela Valley last weekend.
Lt. Col. Palmer Parungao, the commander of the 10th ID, said the surrender of alias Randy was a huge setback since he was also tasked to train recruits and deploy IEDs in the province.
Meanwhile, alias Richard was the designated sniper of the Guerrilla Front 25.
He said the two regular NPA members surrendered for fear of being killed due to the relentless combat operations conducted by the 66th Infantry Battalion.
“They certainly knew that the troops and their former comrades who earlier surrendered and became members of the Cafgu will soon catch up with them and lead to their neutralization if they do not surrender,” he added.
The duo revealed to soldiers that the two motorbikes were used to lay down IEDs throughout the province under the supervision of their leader, alias Cyclone.
They said it was the same motorbikes that they used when they bombed Colapugon detachment in Barangay Maparat earlier this year.
Troops were able to capture the two motorcycles; one Motorstar and one Kawasaki Baja. They also recovered six blasting caps and wires for the bombs.
“The remaining members are now realizing their mistakes in believing those who recruited them,” he further said, as he called on the remaining communist guerrillas to surrender.
