NEW LIFE. Five former combatants of the New People's Army in Sultan Kudarat pose with their rifles after their peaceful surrender to the Army's 7th Infantry Battalion in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday (Jan. 3, 2022). The surrenderers will be enrolled in the government's Enhanced - Comprehensive Local Integration Program to start a new life. (Photo courtesy of 6ID) CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao - Four communist New People's Army (NPA) sub-commanders and a female political guide have surrendered to authorities in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat to return to a peaceful life with their families, the military here reported Friday. Lt. Col. Rommel Valencia, Army's 7th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said the five rebels yielded to government troopers in Barangay Kapaya, Bagumbayan, on Thursday afternoon. He identified the surrenderers as alias Wendel, a squad leader under "My Phone" Platoon; alias Elagan, a team leader under NPA Platoon "Bagdad;" ali
SURRENDER. One of the 14 surrendering BIFF gunmen hands over his rifle to Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat (center), 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, during surrender rites held at the 57th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Upi, Maguindanao on Sunday (Dec. 5, 2021). The surrenderers also turned over (inset upper left) 12 high-powered firearms and five explosives. (Photo courtesy of 603rd IBde) CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao - Displeased with their life as rebels, 14 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) yielded to authorities in Upi town of this province bringing with them high-powered firearms and explosives, a top military official here said Monday. Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander, said the 14 BIFF gunmen voluntarily surrendered Sunday afternoon to the Army-led Joint Task Force Central (JFTC) units in Upi. Lt. Col. Jonathan Pondanera, 57th Infantry Battalion commander based in Upi, presented the surrenderers to 603rd Infantry Brigad