The rebels turned over their rifles to the government forces at Sitio Natampod, Barangay Namnam, San Fernando, Bukidnon on June 23.
The group’s firearms consisted of an M16A1 Rifle and four Caliber 30mm M1 Garand Rifles.
88th IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Christian James Vingno said that the surrenderees were positively identified by their former comrades who earlier surrendered to the government.
He said they are the remnants of the recently Dismantled Guerilla Front Malayag, Sub Regional Command (SRC) 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
One of the surrenderers, alias Bebot, said that after several months of hiding and fleeing from government troops, they realized that their struggle for the sake of the revolution was pointless.
Also the fear of death, hunger and their great desire to be with their families and loved ones were the reasons they decided to abandon the armed struggle, according to Bebot in a report from 88th IB.
Vingno lauded the decision of the surrederers to finally abandon the Communist Terrorist Group.
“Welcome to the new chapter of your life. Surely, the government will provide you all the benefits you are entitled to receive,” Vingno said.
Vingno called on the remaining members of NPA to surrender and return to the folds of the law. "Now is the right time to come down and help the government bring peace and order to the countryside, " he said.
The rebel returnees are now undergoing debriefing and documentation that will allow authorities to facilitate the granting of their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Photo from 88th IB
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