A NEW People's Army (NPA) rebel and a supporter have surrendered amid the focused military operations being conducted against the guerrillas in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, officials said Friday, September 20.
Lieutenant Colonel Rafman Altre, Army's 82nd Infantry Battalion commander, said the two surrendered around 12:40 p.m. Thursday, September 19, in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur.
Altre said it was the NPA rebel who convinced the supporter to also surrender. The rebel turned over an M-16 Armalite rifle.
Custodial debriefing showed that they surrendered due to pressure "of our relentless combat operation in the province of Lanao del Sur," said Altre.
Brigadier General Romeo Brawner Jr., Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said they are gaining grounds in the conduct of relentless operation in Lanao del Sur.
"We are thankful to the local populace and the local government unit for their continued trust and support," Brawner said.
Major General Roberto Ancan, Army's 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops that led to the surrender of the NPA member and his supporter. (SunStar Philippines)