3 NPAs surrender in Compostela Valley

Three Communist New People's Army (NPA) terrorists, belonging to the Guerilla Front 14-North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (GF14NEMRC), surrendered to the military in Monkayo, Compostela Valley.

The three were identified as alias Lito, 27, a member of Squad Uno, Abe, GF 14, NEMRC; an alias Topher, 28, team leader of Abe, Segunda, Platoon Uno, GF 14; and an alias Ros, 23, also a member of Abe, Segunda, GF 14.

A military report disclosed that the three surrendered at about 11:50 p.m. on October 11, bringing with them their weapons, to Lt. Col. Oscar B. Balignasay Jr., the commanding officer of the Army's 25th Infantry Battalion, through the efforts of Bravo Company under First Lt. Desmond E. Castillo at the 25th IB headquarters, Camp Kalaw, Barangay. Poblacion, Monkayo.

The firearms included a KG9 9mm Luger, with one magazine; a Norinco caliber-.45, with a magazine; and a Colt Defender cal-.45 and a magazine.

According to the three, they sur- rendered due to the hardships in the movement, and fear for their lives due to the nearly incessant encounters with government forces.

The three also alleged corruption and abuses in the NPA.

Army 10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Noel S. Clement, commended the troops' accomplishment.

"We continue to accept NPAs who want to surrender. It is our hope that the remaining NPA terrorists will go back to the folds of the law and be with their families come Christmas season," Clement said.

"Christmas is worth celebrating seeing NPAs living in the mainstream with their families as they swear allegiance to the Philippine government and be productive citizens," he added.

The surrenderers are now undergoing interview/ custodial debriefing at the 25th IB headquarters.