MAITUM, Sarangani – An intelligence officer of the New People’s Army yielded to the police here on Monday, July 10.
Police Major Bernard Francia, Maitum police chief, identified the surrenderer as Albert Ponto, 57, who served as intelligence officer and courier for the NPA-West Musa command under Felimon Villegas, alias “Commander Yoyo,” operating in the provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.
Ponto turned over a 9mm submachine pistol which he used while in the communist movement.
Police said Ponto surrendered due to the ongoing internal security operations conducted by the police and military in insurgency-infested hinterland areas here.
Ponto said he was tired from being on the run from government forces hunting them down in the mountains.
“I also wanted to avail the peace and reconciliation program of the government and live a peaceful life in the mainstream society,” Ponto said.
He was placed under the custody of the Provincial Mobile Force Company for debriefing while awaiting for his enlistment into the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the local government where he will be provided with livelihood assistance.