A NEW People's Army (NPA) leader surrendered in Barangay St. Christine, Lianga in Surigao del Sur on Thursday, March 9, 2023.
The military identified the NPA rebel as Patrick Tejeros Wagdos, alias "Tuloy," the Squad Leader of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda - Interyor/Grupong Staff (SYP-I/GS), Headquarters Force, Sub-Regional Committee (HQF, SRC) Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
Wagdos said he surrendered due to the continued focused military operations of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) troops and his longing for his family.
The now former NPA leader also surrendered nine AK47 rifles and seven magazines.
Eastmincom Commander Lieutenant General Greg Almerol has linked the surrender of Wagdos to the communist terrorist group's loss of influenced barangays in Caraga.
"This latest accomplishment gives us the optimism to finish the remaining CTG in the Caraga Region before the end of the year. Without their influenced barangays and firearms, they have nowhere to hide and have no capability to fight," Almerol said.
He also urged the rebels to "return to the folds of the law" and avail of the government programs to regain peaceful lives with their families. (SunStar Philippines)