IN a recent development, three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government forces in Barangay St. Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, on January 6, as confirmed by CMO Officer Major Alvin G. Nangkil of the 401st Infantry Brigade.
Major Nangkil, in a phone confirmation, identified the surrendering rebels as Alberto Perez Pañabe, also known as Jong, Brian Ruadil Bulagao, alias Dave, and Junmar Alameda Rivas, alias Cardo. They surrendered to the 3rd Special Forces Battalion stationed in the mentioned barangay.
This marks the first instance of rebel surrenders in the entire province in 2024, according to Major Nangkil.
The three rebels were known to operate in the hinterland areas of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, and Lianga, Surigao del Sur, under the Sub-Regional Committee Southland of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC SL, NEMRC) of the NPA.
Upon surrender, the rebels handed over several firearms, including an M16 rifle with an attached M203 grenade launcher, an Elisco M16 rifle, and an AK47 rifle, along with magazines and ammunition, Major Nangkil stated.
Upon completion of necessary documentation, the surrenderees will be eligible for benefits under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), Major Nangkil confirmed.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Paulo F. Baylon, the Commanding Officer of 3SFBn, commended the rebels for choosing to return to the fold of the law and assured them of their safety and well-being as they reintegrate with their families and embark on a new chapter.
BGen Francisco F. Lorenzo Jr., Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, appealed to remaining Communist NPA terrorists in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur to surrender peacefully. He expressed gratitude for the voluntary surrender, emphasizing the positive step towards stability, development, and security.
Lorenzo also commended the troops for their commitment to respecting and upholding human rights during the surrender of the three former rebels.
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