By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – Four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered Monday to troops of the 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB) in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, the military said in a statement Tuesday.
The surrenderers were identified as Alias Prix, former vice commanding officer of the dismantled Regional Sentro De Grabidad COMPAQ of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee; Alias Jeda, political officer of the Regional Operations Command; Alias Front, a member of Squad 2; and Alias As-As, squad leader of Squad 2 of the Headquarters Force NEO.
They turned over five high-powered firearms—three M16 rifles, one Galil rifle, and one M4A1 carbine—along with ammunition, magazines, bandoliers, handheld radios, and medical supplies.
“One of the surrenderers, who served as a political officer, cited exhaustion, hardship, and disillusionment as key reasons for returning to the fold of the law,” the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said.
The four also said life in the mountains had become unstable, with constant movement, food scarcity, and fear of armed encounters.
Lt. Col. Redentor Gilbuela, 26IB commander, welcomed the surrenderers and assured them of humane treatment and support as they begin reintegration into mainstream society. They will undergo custodial debriefing and documentation before being endorsed for assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., 4ID commander, said the decision of the four rebels was commendable not only for their future and families but also for the peace and progress of their communities. He urged remaining NPA members in Caraga to be inspired and choose the path of peace. (PNA)
