TWO New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, tagged as “significant personalities” of the NPA, surrendered to military authorities in the province of South Cotabato, military officials announced Sunday, February 6, 2022.
Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said they surrendered Friday, February 4, at the headquarters of the 11th Special Force Company in Lambingi village, T’Boli, South Cotabato.
Rosario identified them through their aliases as Ka Dagul, a political guide of Platoon Central, Guerilla Front Musa, and a resident of Ned village, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; and Ka Tata, a member of Local Guerilla Unit Milisyang Bayan and a resident of Klubi village, Lake Sebu.
They handed over one improvised M-79 Grenade Launcher and five rounds of 40-millimeter High Explosives.
Major General Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central commander, attributed the surrender of the two to the resolve of military units on the ground to engage the local leaders and convince the remaining NPA rebels to leave the movement.
The surrender of the two brought to 14 NPA rebels who surrendered to the government in Central Mindanao since January 2022.
“I commend the troops of Joint Task Force Central for their hard work and dedication. Their determination to end terrorism peacefully is very laudable,” Rosario said.
“We urge our brothers and sisters who are still hiding that now is the time for you to come out. Join us in our journey towards peace here in Mindanao,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)