MANILA, Philippines - Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in communist hotbed Compostela Valley surrendered on Tuesday to the military.
Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) spokesman Cpt. Alberto Caber said the two rebels surrendered to members of the 28th Infantry Battalion at about 8 p.m. in Barangay Langgawisan in Marasugan town.
Those who surrendered were identified as Efraim Manlitok Pinanggot alias “Jonnel,†and Jovanie Olmido Atabay alias “Ban-Ban.â€
They were brought to Maragusan Police Station to document their surrender.
Caber said Pinanngot and Atabay had admitted being used by the NPA to threaten and extort from their neighbors.
“The NPA underground mass organizations are initially organized by the left-leaning personalities for a cause-oriented purpose and later drawn to support the NPA when the members are already unknowingly drawn to the NPA struggle,†Caber said.
Eastmincom chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III has ordered his troops to help ensure the immediate release of compensation to rebels who surrendered their weapons. - Cherish Maglaque