BACOLOD CITY — An individual believed to be a member of the New People’s Army surrendered to troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion following a series of skirmishes in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
Authorities identified the rebel as a certain “Jan-Jan,” who confessed to being among the rebels who engaged the soldiers on 6 October but was eventually separated from his comrades while evading the pursuing troops.
The rebel turned over his firearms, including two M16A1 rifles with ammunition, to Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of 94IB.
Pasaporte said the Philippine Army, along with local government units, is willing to assist those who want to return to the fold of the law.
“I congratulate ‘Jan-Jan’ for making the right decision in abandoning the terrorist group and taking the offered of the government especially the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. I commend your bravery of surrendering yourself to our troops without hesitation,” Pasaporte said.
According to the 94IB report, “Jan-jan” approached the troops patrolling the area and introduced himself as an NPA member who wants to surrender and after which, he pointed to the soldiers the location of his firearms.
The rebel narrated that during an encounter, he was tasked to carry the firearm of one of his wounded comrades and he saw it as an opportunity to escape from the group.
He told the troops of being tired of running and hiding from the authorities, which led him to experience fatigue and hunger.