Redfighter gives up, yields 2 rifles with ammos

A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, the site of the latest series of clashes between communist terrorists and government troops.

The latest surrender came days after the series of running gun battles that lasted for almost two weeks and caused the deaths of an NPA leader, two soldiers, and the wounding of several others.

Authorities identified the former rebel only by his alias as “Janjan”, a resident of the barangay, and one of the rebels that took part in the gun battles.

Captain Mervin Rosal, Civil Military Operations Officer of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde), said that Janjan told them thevthe NPA suffered heavy casualties in the running battles, counting at least eight rebels wounded.

Janjan also claimed that he carried the firearms of the wounded NPA insurgents, and upon seeing the opportunity to escape during pursuit operations by the 94IB, he immediately took the chance.

Janjan then sought help from one of the local civilians, who in turn approached the 94IB.

Janjan surrendered two M16A1 assault rifles with live ammunitions and magazines.

When questioned by authorities, Janjan claimed that he was extremely fatigued, hungry, and feared for his life due to the confusion and senseless direction of the local NPA organization.

Janjan also pointed out that he had been deceived by his former comrades, and realized that the NPA leadership has no clear direction in the armed struggle.

He also regrets his decision to join the rebellion, pointing out that he had wasted his time and almost his life fighting for a senseless ideology.

303IBde commander Brigadier Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte said the Philippine Army is very much willing to assist the NPA rebels who want to surrender and return to the folds of the law.

Pasaporte lauded Janjan’s decision to abandon the insurgent group and for taking the opportunities presented by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“We are willing to assist you and more of your comrades to avail the government programs allotted for our brothers and sisters who were deceived, and victims of the worthless armed struggle. I commend your bravery of surrendering yourself to our troops without hesitation, again, this is an example that you will not be harmed if you surrender peacefully contrary to the propaganda of the NPA,” Pasaporte added.

Aside from the assistance provided under E-CLIP, Janjan is also expected to receive more assistance from the government.* (DGB)