3 ex-NPA rebels surrender to gov’t forces in Southern Mindanao

KIDAPAWAN CITY—Three former members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) on Thursday surrendered to government forces in Southern Mindanao, Army officials announced on Friday.

Colonel Roberto Ancan, chief of the military’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade, said Rubico Maquil alias “Paul” of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 73 turned over his M-16 Armalite rifle on Thursday as he surrendered to the 27th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato. The battalion is headed by Lt. Colonel Benjamin Leander

In Arakan town, North Cotabato, two former members of the NPA also surrendered to the 39th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Colonel Harold Argamosa also on Thursday.

Ancan said Melchor Atan alias “Blanko” and Ronie Atan alias “Kulas,” both of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 53, turned over their firearms, which included a 9-mm sub-machine gun “UZI,” a rifle grenade and an AK- 47 rifle.

The rebel returnees will soon be enrolled in the Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (CLIP) to avail themselves of livelihood aid from the government.  Edwin O. Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao