45 NPA rebels surrender in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines—Forty five New People’s Army rebels surrendered to the Army’s 503rd Brigade in Bukidnon ahead of communist guerrillas’ anniversary, the military said Wednesday.

Major  Eugenio Osias of the 4th Infantry  Division said  the rebels, led by  Rene  Dal-anay, known as Ka Taruc, surrendered to Colonel Romeo Gapuz, Commander of the 403Bde on March 23.

They will be formally  presented to  Governor  Alex Calingasan at Kaamulan Amphitheater in Malaybalay on March 29, the 43rd anniversary of the NPA.

Osias said 27 of these rebels were indigenous people from the Umayamnon tribe and members of the Mamerto Bagani Command under Guerrilla Front 89, led by Gevion Balanban known as “Oto” operating within the areas of Northern Bukidnon and Upper Pulangi. The group brought along with them 30 assorted firearms and several improvised explosive devices.

Meanwhile, 18 of the rebels were from the group led by Ka Taruc under the Boyboy Roa Command operating in San Fernando, Bukidnon. They turned over one garand rifle, one carbine and several IEDs, Osias said.

“With this number of rebels who just surrendered, GF 89 and GF 6’s total strength and firepower was reduced and this has significantly weakened the enemy’s capability to conduct high-impact offensives against the government troops and economic sabotage,” Gapuz said.