THREE self-confessed rebels surrendered to government forces in separate incidents in Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon province.
One of the alleged rebels was identified as Romel Salimbaon Ahing, 20, a resident of Sitio Catablaraan, Barangay Canangaan, Cabanglasn, Bukidnon, and an alleged member of the Sub Regional Committee, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
He brought with him an M16 rifle last June 10 at the 8th Infantry Battalion headquarters.
Last week, Elsie Camahay Ampildon, said to be a member of New People's Army's (NPA) Headquarters Force of the NCMRC, and her husband Tanny Saritao Amdpildon, supposedly a member of the NPA's Militia ng Bayan, also surrendered.
According to the military, their surrender was after the NCMRC suffered losses in an encounter with troops which led to the recovery of five high powered firearms, 30 backpacks, and several subversive documents, as well as the rescue of three-month pregnant rebel Susan Cabusao Guaynon.
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, 8IB commanding officer said as surrenderers, the three would be enrolled in the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the national government and would receive legal and livelihood assistance and other social benefits.
They were also expected to receive similar benefits and cash rewards for the firearms they surrendered.
Illana warned that there will be no let-up in its military focused operations.
“I welcome the surrender of our brother and sister who were former members of the CPP-NPA. We will work hand in hand with our LGUs (local government units) and the CLIP Committee of Bukidnon to ensure your safety and well-being,” Illana said.
“I am calling upon those CPP-NPA Terrorists who still remain deceived by their leaders, especially those who were wounded, to quit from running and hiding. Surrender now while there is still time. There is no point in risking your lives for a failing ideology such as that of your ill-motivated and futile armed struggle. Choose peace or die of your wounds or hunger,” he added.