THREE New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to authorities in North Cotabato province on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, the military reported Friday, June 30.
Major General Alex Rillera, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central commander, identified the NPA surrenderers as alias Emman, alias Bobong, and alias Jun or Oscar, who belong to Guerilla Front 53 (GF53), Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC3), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
Rillera said the surrender of the three NPA rebels was made possible through the efforts of the 90th Infantry Battalion (IB) led by Lieutenant Colonel Rowel Gavilanes, and the intelligence units based in North Cotabato.
The three NPA rebels surrendered and turned over high-powered firearms at the 90IB’s Bravo Company headquarters in Lower Paatan village, North Kabacan, Cotabato.
The firearms they turned-over include one M14 rifle, one M16 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, one steel magazine, eight caliber .30 live ammunition, and one M79 grenade launcher.
The three NPA surrenderers revealed that the hardships and hunger they experienced due to the relentless military operations were the primary reasons for their withdrawal of support to their group.
Lieutenant General Roy Galido, Western Mindanao Command chief, said the Joint Task Forces under Westmincom continue to strengthen their focused and civil-military operations to address the threats posed by the remnants of the different terror groups in Westmincom’s area of operation.
“We welcome all those who wish to end their armed struggle peacefully, and we are hopeful that their comrades will also follow their footsteps,” Galido said. (SunStar Zamboanga)