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By Francisco E. Dosdos, Jr.
Correspondent .

PAGADIAN City — A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel leader has surrendered to military authorities in the Zamboanga del Norte town of Gutalac, officials said Wednesday.

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Lt. Col. Leon Onggao, the newly-installed commander of the Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion, identified the former NPA rebel only as a certain Ian, a team leader.

Onggao said Ian, who turned over a .45-caliber pistol with ammunition, surrendered at around 7 am Tuesday in Barangay Sas, Gutalac.

“Ian is frustrated and disappointed with the terrorist group (NPA) leadership because of the unfulfilled promises for a monthly salary of P7,000 and weekly support of P4,000 for his family just to join their ranks,” Onggao said.

He said Ian and other combatants were deceived by NPA commanders that they will be killed by government forces if they decide to surrender.

Col. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said they expect more NPA rebels to surrender and avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-clip).

Gaerlan said E-clip provides the former rebels the opportunity to start a new life and live peacefully as productive citizens together with their families.

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