NPA terrorist leader surrenders in Zamboanga del Norte

Lt. Col. Leon Onggao, the newly installed Commander of the 42nd IB, said alias “Ian” surrendered at Brgy. Sas, Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte, at about 7 a.m.

“Alias Ian is frustrated and disappointed with the terrorist group leadership because of the unfulfilled promises for a monthly salary worth 7,000 pesos and weekly support of 4,000 pesos for his family just to join their ranks,” Onggao said.

Meanwhile, Ian said he decided to turn himself in despite the threats made by his commander that soldiers will kill them if they surrender.

“Takot na takot po ako dahil sinabihan po kami ng aming kumander na papatayin lang kami ng mga sundalo kapag mag-surrender [I am afraid because our commander told us that the soldiers will just kill us if we choose to surrender],” Ian said.

Ian also yielded one caliber .45 handgun, magazines and ammunitions.

Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander who has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga del Sur, said they expect more NPA terrorists to surrender and avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that would give former rebels the opportunity to start a new life and live peacefully as productive citizens of the country together with their families.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops that led to the surrender of the NPA leader.

“We call on the remaining NPA terrorists to return to the folds of the law and join us with all the stakeholders in addressing our issues peacefully,” Ancan said.

Source: News MB