New People’s Army. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
DIGOS CITY – Two alleged communist rebels, who were among 30 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) engaged by the Army in Alabel, Sarangani, on Monday, surrendered on Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Felix Ronnie Babac, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion (IB), said Thursday that Mark Arnold Sawal Budion and Bedeo Ansay, both 21 and residents of Barangay Datal Anggas in Alabel, yielded amid continued military operations following the clash.
“They were still being investigated,” he said, adding the two might have been force to give up by the intense pursuit operations.
Seven NPA guerrillas, including Front Committee 71 commander Tolentino Bariquit, 60, were killed in Monday’s clash, according to Babac. The officer described Bariquit, alias Brigol, as an NPA political officer.
The Army recovered 9 firearms, landmines and personal belongings from the slain rebels, he said.
Meanwhile, Babac said the result of Monday’s clash was among the biggest accomplishments of the 73rd IB in recent months.
Because of this, the platoon involved in the incident was recognized by Armed Forces Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang on Wednesday.
“2Lt. Jershon Sanchez, the scout platoon team leader, received an interim medal (Triple M) for distinguished conduct star, which is a step away from the Medal of Valor, the most coveted award to soldiers in the battlefield,” he said.
Babac said Sanchez would also be promoted to 1st Lieutenant for the feat of his platoon.
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