118 NPA SUPPORTERS IN BUKIDNON YIELD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: One hundred eighteen supporters of the New People’s Army ( NPA) surrendered and pledged their loyalty to the government in Impasug- ong, Bukidnon. In a report, Lt. Tere Ingente, spokesperson for the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan De Oro City, said the ceremony was attended by local government and military officials recently who were surprise when it was announced that members of the Milisya ng Bayan and NPA supporters would surrender. Lt. Col. Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the Army’s 8th Infantry, commended the local government for initiating the dialogue which allowed the government to ventilate and address the communist insurgency in the countryside. He said that the insurgents’ sudden shift of loyalty and support to the government proves that the authorities are always willing to address the people’s concerns in the hinterlands. Illana urged residents to be wary about the NPA’s deceptive efforts to recruit innocent civilians to take part in the failed armed struggle.