[SunStar] Eleven New People’s Army militants and two Abu Sayyaf rebels have separately surrendered as Philippine troops continue their offensive in Mindanao.
Joint Task Force Central commander Arnel Delavega said the NPA militants surrendered Sunday morning in the village of Midtungok, Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat province. He said that all of the NPA surrenderees belong to the Manobo tribe and they were identified as Ayob Mopac, Benjamin Kalay, Samuel Badak, Mel Pandi, Kang Mopac, Tiin Mooac, Usad Mopac, Long Oding, Sebio Masandag, Gabriel Mopac, and Nonoy Lapi.
Colonel Bismarch Soliba said in the province of Sultan Kudarat the NPA is losing members due to demoralization in the ranks. He said, "The lumads are disgruntled over the unfulfilled promises of the NPA leaders. The members are dying in the encounters but the supamil (family support) for their followers was not provided."
The two Abu Sayyaf rebels surrendered on Saturday morning at Sitio Camalig in the village of Bohe Pahu, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan province. They were identified as Wowee Hassan and Samer Batin, alias Iroh. Both are followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Nurhasan Jamiri.
Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez said, "The two Abu Sayyaf revealed that they fear for their lives as more of their fellow ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) members surrendered and gave information of the others. They said that they opted to surrender now believing that the government forces will eventually get them." 
|
