2 NPA members surrender, high-powered guns unearthed in Sorsogon

LEGAZPI CITY (PNA) – Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the 22nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Juban, Sorsogon over the weekend.

Major John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (ID) spokesperson, said on Monday, Sept. 5, that the two communist guerrillas are regular members of the Yunit Guerilla of Komiteng Pamprobinsiya 3.

They voluntarily surrendered on Sunday, Sept. 4, to the 22nd IB in Barangay Calmayon.

"The two also turned in two M16 rifles. Also confirmed by 22nd IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Nelson Mico, that after the surrender, residents in the area personally pointed to the government troops the area where other firearms and ammunitions were hidden," Belleza said.

He said based on the report of the 22nd IB, a barrel container was found underground by authorities, containing three M16 rifles, hundreds of ammunition for M14 and M16, one anti-personnel mine, communication paraphernalia, and some propaganda documents.

Belleza said the identities of the surrenderers would not be disclosed yet for their and their families' safety.

Meanwhile, Major Gen. Alex Luna, commander of the 9th ID and Joint Task Force Bicolandia, urged other NPA rebels to follow their two comrades in going back to the fold of the law so they could start a new and peaceful life with their families.

We hope you could follow your former comrades. Their surrender opened the door to their new life. Many former rebels have now been given new hope and greater opportunities. They are living proof of the good intention of the government to end the war and give a peaceful community to every citizen including you, Luna said.