NPA rebs surrender high-powered firearms

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — New People’s Army (NPA) Guerrilla militia men surrendered to army troops, yielding three high-powered firearms — an AK 47 Russian-made rifle and two US World War 2 vintage Garand rifles — military report said on Saturday.

The report said troops of the 26th Infantry Battalion under the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division were responsible for the surrender of a former Milisya ng Bayan member and the revelation of two arms caches in Barangay Lydia, La Paz, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday.

The surrenderer is from San Luis, Agusan del Sur.

Lieutenant Colonel Jose Redentor Gilbuela, the 26IB Commanding Officer, said the rebel surrendered along with him one AK47 rifle, magazines and ammunition. After which, he revealed the location of the hidden stockpile of firearms and ammunition.

“The arms caches were discovered in two separate locations in Barangay Lydia. In the first arms cache, one M1 Garand rifle was seized, while in the second one, our troops captured one M1 Garand rifle, 80 rounds of ammunition and eight cartridge clips. Weakened by exhaustion and disillusioned by broken promises, the surrenderer has long been wanting to heed to the government’s call for peace. We welcome this development as a step towards lasting peace and security in our AOR,” he added.

In his statement, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of 4ID stated that the growing number of NPA surrenderers is a testament to the success of the different programs offered by the government especially under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program that helps former rebels and supporters start a new life.