Two communist terrorist group members laid down their arms and return to the folds of the law following successive military operations in Sultan Kudarat, the WestMinCom Commander said.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command said the two were identified as Jonathan Saliling, a.k.a. Jonathan/Atan and Michael Lugko, a.k.a. Umpak/Michael, both members of the East Daguma Front, Sub-regional Command Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region under Arthuro Arsigan, a.k.a. Macmac.
“The two submitted themselves to the 7th Infantry Battalion at Old Capitol, Brgy. Kalawag 2, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat past 9 p.m. last night, January 1, 2021,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.
The duo handed over two M1 Garand rifles (Springfield) converted to M14 rifles.
During the initial debriefing, a.k.a. Jonathan said that they are starving and tired of hiding due to the successive military operations and airstrikes.
Likewise, a.k.a. Umpak said he fears being killed during armed confrontations with the government forces.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Romel Valencia, the Commanding Officer of the 7IB said he is happy that the two decided to pledge allegiance to the constitution and denounce the communist terrorist group.
The surrendered personalities are currently undergoing custodial debriefing at the 7IB headquarters.
“The two will be enrolled in the reintegration program of the government to ensure that they will not be lured back to the culture of violence,” said Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, the 601st Infantry Brigade Commander.
Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central commended the troops of the 7IB for this significant accomplishment.
“This is attributable to the collaborative efforts of our troops and other government agencies,” said Maj. Gen. Uy.
(Source: Western Mindanao Command Facebook Page)