Rebel couple surrendered

ANOTHER rebel couple who were once fighting against government troops have laid down their arms and turned themselves in to the military in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, Tuesday, June 25.

The army's 8th Infantry Battalion facilitated the surrender of alias "Jomel" and his wife, "Jelyn." The two also yielded a hand grenade.

In a statement, the military said Jomel was the vice squad leader/team leader of "ABE" Squad 1, Staff Platoon, SRSDG Pedler, SRC 2, Northern Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC), while his wife served as a member of the medical team.

The military said Jomel shared his experiences inside the New People’s Army (NPA) organization and how it caused affliction.

8IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana said the surrender of the two former NPA fighters was a result of the military's community support program.

Illana said the efforts of the armed forces are in full bloom and the forces of the communist guerillas are falling with the continuous resignation of the members from the movement.

"Their forces are now faltering. By and large, our brothers and sisters who are the victims of deception are starting to unveil and see the reality of the CPP-NPA ideologies," Illana said.

The military said the launching of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, the number of rebels who abandoned the armed struggle has been increasing.