NPA squad leader surrenders in Zamboanga del Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – A ranking leader of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA), who has reportedly become disgruntled with the ways of the insurgent group, surrendered to government authorities in Zamboanga del Sur, officials said Saturday.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, identified the NPA surrenderer as Marino Daano Anlas, 29, a squad leader of the NPA unit operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula area.

Nicolas said Anlas, who was visibly "tired and weary," surrendered to the troops around 1:30 p.m. Friday in Barangay Laperian, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said during the initial debriefing, Anlas revealed that he became disgruntled after the rebel movement failed to keep their promises of financial support for his family.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), lauded the support of the community in the military's campaign against communist insurgency and terrorism in Southern Philippines.