ZAMBOANGA CITY – A New People’s Army team leader surrendered to the police and military in Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur.
Joint Task Force Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao (JTF ZamPeLan) commander Major Gen. Generoso Ponio identified the NPA team leader as Cirilo Biosa Sumibay, alias “Ken Ken” and "Joy," 24, single, and a resident of Barangay Dawa, Josefina.
Ponio said Sumibay, team leader of the Abe Squad 1, Guerilla Front Sendong of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, surrendered to government forces at 10 a.m. last Tuesday.
Sumibay turned over to the military his firearm, an AK47 (CZ) assault rifle, seven long magazines, 185 live ammunition, one bandolier, and one jungle hammock to soldiers of the 10th Infantry Battalion.
Asked why he surrendered to government forces, Sumibay said he was disappointed with the terrorist group because of the unfulfilled promises such as financial support.
"At first, I was afraid to come out because our officers said that the soldiers will kill us once we surrender, but then I've seen how the lives of my former comrades have changed after they laid down their arms," said Sumibay.