NPA leader yields in Zamboanga Norte

A New People’s Army (NPA) leader surrendered to military authorities in Gutalac town, Zamboanga del Norte

By Hirohito Cadion  

February 27, 2019, 7:39 pm Share

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

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

Onggao said Ian, who turned over a .45-caliber pistol with ammunition, surrendered at around 7 a.m. 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 PHP7,000 and weekly support of PHP4,000 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.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, has called on the remaining NPA rebels to return to the fold of the law and “join the concerned stakeholders in addressing our issues peacefully.”

Ancan, who is also the Joint Task Force Zampelan (the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops that led to the surrender of