NPA Member Surrenders to 53IB of Philippine Army

CAMP SABIDO, Guipos, Zamboanga Sur (The Redline News Philippines) - Citing fatigue and frustration over unfulfilled promises, a member of the New Peoples’ Army deserts his unit and surrenders to the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion in Camp Sabido, Guipos, ZDS this morning, April 25.

The rebel was identified as JoneloDaluyonBalabag @ Joel, 25 years old and resident of Purok 1, BrgyMatalang, Lakewood, ZDS who brought with him his M16 rifle with seven magazines loaded with ammunitions.

Lt. Michael Rabino, Commanding Officer of Bravo Company, 53IB who facilitated the surrender said that the rebel is a member of the SYP “KARA”, WMRPC, the NPA unit operating in Zamboangadel Sur. He further said that the rebel escaped from the group while they were harbouring in the jungles of BrgyGasa, Lakewood, ZDS.

Based on the initial debriefing, aka Joel said that he grew weary of the endless day and night movement and hunger that they have to endure to evade the military. He was also worried about his wife and three young children because the NPA leadership only gave him Php 800.00 once for family support during his more than two months with the group which is way below the salary which they promised during recruitment.

He also revealed that he and some of his comrades had been contemplating about surrendering for quite some time; however they were too scared to ask permission from their leaders because they are aware that some who tried were threatened to be shot. This led him to wait for an opportunity to escape.

Leutenant Colonel Virgilio C. Hamos, Jr.,Commanding Officer of 53IB who personally welcomed the rebel said the surrender is a proof that the collective pressure exerted by 53IB and the different stakeholders on the rebel group is taking its toll on the morale of the members.

Hamos promised aka Joel that 53IB will assist in facilitating his enrolment to the Comprehensive Local Integration Program and the Firearms Remuneration Program of the government to help him reintegrate to the mainstream society.

He also encouraged the surrendered to help the Battalion in searching the remaining rebels operating in the Battalion’s Area of Operation.

Meanwhile, Col. Jacinto R. Bareng,  the 102nd Brigade Commander congratulated Hamos and the 53IB troopers for the accomplishment. (PRNews/With report by Mike Navarro/Posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News Philippines).