26 April 2017•Update: 26 April 2017
By Hader Glang
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines
A communist rebel surrendered to government troops Wednesday in the Philippines’ southern Zamboanga del Sur province, the military announced.
Jonelo Daluyon Balabag, a.k.a. Joel, of Purok 1, 25 years old, surrendered to troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Virgilio Hamos Jr. under the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan at around 9 p.m.
He also turned over an M16 rifle with three long steel and four short steel magazines loaded with ammunition.
Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said Balabag is a member of the New People's Army SYP-KARA, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.
Petinglay said that military pressure had forced the rebel to move day and night, leading to his surrender.
"We welcome positive developments such as the surrender of a former enemy of the state. We believe that it is always best that members of threat groups are neutralized without firing a single bullet," said the WestMinCom chief, Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr.
Galvez called on other members of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) to do the same.
"Now is high time for them to lay down their arms and surrender, for the chance to live a peaceful life with their family and loved ones."
