TWO suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the Army's 75th Infantry Battalion in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur over the weekend.
The rebel returnees "Ayek" and "Billen," real names withheld, were members of the Guerrilla Front 14-North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
The former rebels yielded an M1 Garand Rifle with eight magazine clips and loaded with 48 rounds live ammunition, a caliber .45 Colt with a magazine, M16 Rifle (Colt) with one steel short magazine and with two rounds live 5.56mm ammunition, and one caliber .45 pistol.
Ayek reportedly revealed to the troops the location of the NPA arms cache, resulting in the recovery of an 81mm mortar, bi-pad and improvised base plate, three improvised shotguns with three improvised magazines and 12 live ammunition, an Icom radio and three Icom batteries, one detonating switch, a combat pack, assorted medicines and subversive documents.
During a dialogue with the military, Ayek said he decided to leave the NPA to "live peacefully with his family, without fear."
"To the remaining Communist NPA terrorists, come home now and surrender. There is always a chance and to live our life to the fullest. Your family is waiting for you. Let's help each other with sincerity and love towards the attainment of peace and development in our country," said Lieutenant Colonel Warren Munda, commanding officer of 75IB.