36 communist rebels surrender in Ilocos Sur

MANILA, Philippines — At least 36 members of groups with links to the New People’s Army (NPA) in Ilocos Sur surrendered on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, public affairs office chief of the 7th Infantry Division (ID), said the communist rebels surrendered to soldiers of the 81st Infantry Battalion.

The surrenderees are members of the Kabataang Makabayan and Samahang Magsasaka who are operating in Barangay Legazpi, Galimuyod town and Bugnay, Candon City.

Maj. Gen. Filemon Santos Jr., 7th ID commander, reiterated his call for NPA rebels and their supporters to  return to the fold of the law.

“The earlier it is done, the better so that they will have plenty of time to live in peace with their families,” Santos said.– Artemio Dumlao