NorMin insurgents wave white flag

DAVAO CITY — A couple and a wounded female believed to be members of the New People's Army surrendered to the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade at Barangay Kahusayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon last Sunday.

In a statement, the 10th Infantry Division disclosed that the insurgents were members of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Peddler of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

They were identified as Marjun Otag Dante/Egale/Bukol, squad leader of Squad 2 and his party wife Nelly Erespi Otag alias Marlyn/Cris, the squad medic, while the wounded was identified as Emmely Banahan alias Yolanda/IG, an NPA member.

Upon surrender, the soldiers immediately provided first aid to Banahan and coordinated with the concerned agency for medical assistance.

The trio surrendered following intensified focus military operations conducted by the 48th Infantry Battalion, 27IB, and 73IB, all under the 1003rd Infantry Brigade which led to armed encounters on 27 and 29 December in the same municipality.

10ID commander BGen. Allan Hambala expressed gratitude to the rebels for heeding the call to surrender instead of evading government forces and choosing to fight.

"Let us give peace a chance. We should shun violence to solve our country's problems and unite and collaborate to address the root causes of insurgency, aiming for just and lasting peace," Hambala said.