ILOILO – Seventy members and supporters of the rebel group Militia ng Bayan (People’s Militia) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Miag-ao town yesterday.
Colonel Benedict Batara, 61IB commander, said the surrenderers were from the towns of Miag-ao, Tubungan, Leon, and San Joaquin where the communist militia operates.
The mass surrender was the result of the continuous efforts of the Army and other government agencies to end local communist armed conflicts, Batara noted.
“We are thankful that they realized na walang magandang maidudulot ang pagiging rebelde kasi lahat ng ginagawa nila ay panlilinlang,” Batara stressed.
He said they are expecting more supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) to lay down their arms.
Mayor Macario Napulan commended the 70 surrenderers.
“Nalipay ako kay nag-surrender kamo. Ini nagapamatuod nga dapat kamo magsalig sa gobyerno kag maka-avail sang mga programa,” Napulan said.
The rebel supporters also surrendered their firearms that included 69 low powered firearms and one high-powered firearm.
They also received gift packs and cash from the Army./PN
