7 "rebels" yield, 2 others nabbed by soldiers

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  – Seven suspected members of the New People’s Army have surrendered to Philippine Army authorities while two others of their ilk were arrested in separate incidents in various parts of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

 Colonel Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday said this was a big accomplishment for government, particularly for its Internal Peace and Security Plan, to win peace in the country.

 Patrimonio said the two alleged members of the NPA who were apprehended last September 13 in Barangay Sikatuna, Isabela town in Negros Occidental were Orlie Magdasal and Ricky Castillo. Soldiers recovered from the suspects some shotguns and several rounds of ammunition, he said. 

 Patrimonio said the seven who surrendered were not regular armed members of the NPA but have been supporting the underground movement in various capacities.

He also disclosed that the other two, Magdasal and Castillo, may not qualify for government remuneration for the firearms that were confiscated from them because they were apprehended by soldiers. (FREEMAN)