480 Reds surrender

MANILA, Philippines — At least 480 members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered from June 6 to 12, the military announced yesterday.

Continuous military operations forced the rebels to return to the fold of the law, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Data showed the Northern Luzon Command recorded 277 guerrillas, supporters and members of NPA-organized mass groups who surrendered in Aurora, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac during the period.

Among those who yielded were members of the group AMBALA.

The Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID), which covers the area of Tarlac, described AMBALA as a group organized by the NPA allegedly to exploit agrarian reform issues.

It said the group recruited farmers from 11 villages in Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac.

Meanwhile, a joint team of the police and military in Sta. Rosa, Laguna reported that 14 NPA guerrillas had surrendered.

The rebels turned over their firearms including a shotgun, pistol and four revolvers on June 11.

The AFP Southern Luzon Command said 12 rebels surrendered in Quezon and Laguna on June 7 and 11.

The AFP Eastern Mindanao Command said 11 others yielded in Davao Occidental on June 6.