Soldiers recover firearms, explosives as alleged NPAs give up in Agusan del Sur

October 3, 2017

Government troops have recovered firearms and explosives after some alleged members of the  New People Army (NPA) surrendered Tuesday morning.

2Lt. Romel Arnado, civil military operations officer of the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion said six rebels have surrendered to their troops in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur around 9 am.

“Two NPA members belonged to Guerilla Front 34 which operates in the hinterlands of Loreto, Agusan del Sur and Compostela Valley Province while four NPA members belonged to Guerilla Front 88 that operates in the Municipalities of San Luis, La Paz and Talacogon, all of Agusan del Sur,” he said.

Arnado said the NPA rebels surrendered because of the recent gun battle between the NPA and government forces at Kilometer 46, Brgy Binicalan, San Luis Agusan del Sur last September 29 2017.

“Anxious for their life and security, the rebels decided to surrender and leave the revolutionary movement,” he said.

Arnado said the firearms and explosive turned over by the rebels includes “two Garand rifle (Springfield), one UZI, one shotgun, one Ingram, one caliber 45 pistol, three caliber .38 revolver, one caliber 357 and a hand grenade and several ammunition. “

He said the rebels were presented to  Jesryl Masendo, mayor of Talacogon. They will be given immediate assistance from the local government unit of Talacogon.

“The former rebels are now undergoing processing for facilitation of benefits and financial assistance under the CLIP program of the government to start a new and peaceful life,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS