11 Reds turn themselves in

The military said 11 New People's Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the Philippine Army in Sultan Kudarat on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, the commander of the Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion, also said the rebels turned over eight high-powered firearms when they surrendered to government forces in Midtungok village, Senator Ninoy Aquino town, Sultan Kudarat, at 10 a.m.

First Lt. John Austin Jamora, commanding officer of Alpha Company of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, said that the surrenderers handed over five M16, two M1 Garand, and one AK 47 rifles.

He said that the insurgents belonged to the Manobo tribe from the hinterland village of Midtungok.

They were identifed as Ayob Mopac, Benjamin Kalay, Samuel Badak, Mel Pandi, Kang Mopac, Tiin Mooac, Usad Mopac, Long Oding, Sebio Masandag, Gabriel Mopac, and Nonoy Lapi.

Col. Bismarck Soliba, commander of the First Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said that the NPA in Sultan Kudarat was losing members due to demoralization in the ranks.

"The lumads are disgruntled over the unfulfilled promises of the NPA leaders. The members are dying in the encounters but the 'Supamil' (family support) for their followers was not provided," he said.

Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, the Commander of the 6th Infantry Division, commended the units which were involved in the surrender negotiations.

"This is a combined effort of the 33rd Infantry Battalion and the 57th Infantry Battalion under Ltc Enrique Clemente. The surrender of NPA members reflect the waning influence of the communist movement in the countryside," Dela Vega said.

"I am glad that these rebels have realized the futility of the armed struggle. Mayor Randy Ecija Jr. of Sen Ninoy Aquino town has shown to them that the LGU is ready to address the social issues in their town," he added.