Friday, September 18, 2009

23 MILF rebels yield in Norcot

CAGAYAN Journal (BEN BALCE/Sep 18) SOME 23 Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels surrendered to the military in North Cotabato, bringing to 84 the number of MILF members who yielded the past few weeks.

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said the surrend-erers were under MILF
commander Paron. He said they yielded high-powered firearms.

Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cay-ton, commander of the 602nd Brigade in Carmen,
North Cotabato, accepted the surrender.

“The Philippine Army has recorded a total of 363 MILF surrenderers so far this year. This can be attributed to the different development and nation-building endeavors of the government,” said
Burgos.

“With this considerable number of members lost by MILF, there is no doubt that the strength of the rebel group has fallen significantly. More surrenders are expected as a result of the peace and development initiatives of the Philippine Army,” he said.

In another development, 13 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have yielded to the Army in Bukidnon, military officials said yesterday.

The rebels surrendered Wednesday to 23rd Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Colonel Cresente Maligmat in Managok,
Malaybalay City.

The 13 surrenderers brought with them two carbines, two caliber .357 and two caliber .38 revolvers, three caliber 22 long barrel rifles, two shotguns, an 9mm Ingram and two grenades.

Fourth Infantry Division spokesperson Maj. Michele Anayron said, “They wanted to leave in a peaceful, normal and productive life.’’

Col. Nick Dolojan, the 403rd Brigade commander, said the surrenderers operated in Barangay
Canangaan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

Dolojan said the surrender was due to the massive information campaign and tactical operations conducted by the 403rd Brigade in Bukidnon PNA