After experiencing hardships and hunger, six members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, March 15 in Impasugong, Bukidnon.
The former NPAs chose to return to the folds of the law following an encounter between the 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, and the communist terrorists in Sitio Kilap-agan, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on March 3.
Three of the former rebels were team leaders; two medics; and one who used to be a squad leader operating around the area of the 8th Infantry Battalion.
The 8IB commander, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony A Bacus PA welcomed the rebel returnees and assured them appropriate benefits under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
On the same day, 8IB troops who acted on information from former rebels retrieved the decaying dead body of an NPA member identified as ‘Prodo’.
Prodo was hit on his lower abdomen during the encounter on March 3. The cadaver was eventually left behind in the area while the NPAs were on the run for withdrawal. — PR
