VILLAVICIOSA, Abra – A New People’s Army recruiter voluntarily surrendered to the Joint Task Force Kaugnay of the Army 24th Infantry Battalion and the Abra Provincial Police Office in Barangay Laplapog here on Wednesday, Oct. 12.
The military said the surrenderer, 54, and a resident here is a former squad leader of the Samahang Yunit Pang Propaganda of the dissolved Kilusang Larangang Gerilya-Montes, Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) which operates in Abra, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Sur.
He yielded a US .30 caliber carbine, one magazine loaded with three ammunition, three rifle grenades, and one homemade shotgun.
“Ka Renato” said he surrendered because he is tired and weary from running away from authorities.
He told a custodial debriefing that the relentless community support programs of the military and the Task Force to End Local Community Armed Conflict (ELCAC) motivated him to return to the fold of the law.
Major Gen. Andrew Costelo, commander of the Army 7th Infantry Division, attributed the surrender to the efforts and collaboration of the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police as part of their peace and development initiatives.
Your surrender is an inspiration to those who are still active in the terrorist organization. I am elated that you have decided to lay down your arms and yield to the government. Despite being a ‘lie-low’ CTG member, the confidence you have entrusted to the authorities marks your sincere submission to the law of peace and order, said Costelo.