NPA surrenders to 54th IB

KIANGAN, Ifugao -- An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the West Chico Line, Bauko-Sagada-Besao of Mountain Province voluntarily surrendered to government authorities, the 54th Infantry Battalion (Magilas) reported.

A member of the Squad Dos, Rehiyon Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC), the rebel reportedly from Quezon City surrendered on October 23 through the concerted efforts of the local government unit (LGU) of Sagada, police personnel, 54th IB and a concerned citizen. The surrenderee narrated to government authorities his experiences, how he was able to escape from the group and the involvement of NPAs in the bombing of control room of Hedcor’s 14MW Sabangan Hydropower Plant tapping point in Otucan Norte, Bauko, Mountain Province night of October 10. Col. Leopoldo Imbang Jr. commanding officer of 503rdInfantry Brigade, encouraged the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and join the government in nation-building. Their families, he said, are eager to be with especially this Christmas. “In this coming Christmas season, may we all realize that change won’t come in the picking up arms but on laying them down. We should unite as one nation in building a better tomorrow for our children, after all, we are all Filipinos,” Imbang added. PIA Ifugao