TWO more members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to government troops in Barangay Sallab, Magpet, North Cotabato, on Wednesday morning.
The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) identified the rebel returnees as Roger Antipuesto alias Jess, and Ryan Calio alias Bunso, who were squad leaders and medical aid and supply in-charge of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the NPA, respectively.
The two surrendered to the 57th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division. Recovered from their possessions were one M16 rifle with magazines along with 250 rounds of M16.
Eastmincom public information officer head, Captain Alberto C. Caber, said the returnees wanted to avail themselves of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of their respective agencies.
Last May 30, Jovanie B. Alfonso, 26, and Jovanie Lacorte, 17, of the NPA, also voluntarily surrendered to the 28th Infantry Battalion of the 10th ID in Barangay Las Arenas, Pantukan, Compostella Valley Province.
A total of 79 NPA members already surrendered to different military units while 38 other NPA members, who had warrant of arrests from different courts, were arrested by joint efforts of military and police in Eastern Mindanao area as of January 1.
All NPA returnees will undergo several activities such as psychosocial reorientation, medical screening, and spiritual enhancement, among others, before being allowed to return to their respective communities.
Meanwhile, Eastmincom commander, Lieutenant General Aurelio B. Baladad lauded the efforts of 57th and 28th IDs for facilitating the return of the rebels.
He also commended Major General Eduardo Ano, commander of 10th ID, for collaboration with other government agencies in the region. (KRP)