9 Red fighters surrender

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — At least nine members of the New People’s Army surrendered to the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion on Feb. 13, the Army said yesterday.

Capt. Jefferson Mariano, 8th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the rebels decided to lay down their weapons, abandon the armed struggle and return to the fold of the law after experiencing severe hunger and loss of community support.

Mariano identified the surrenderees by the aliases Amboy, Jhonry, Lenlen, Adi, Bobby, Ostoy, Boy, Nap and Yutot. They were said to be under the sub-regional guerrilla unit.

“These individuals made the courageous decision to reject violence and embrace a future where they can contribute positively to their communities,” said Lt. Col. Marvin Maraggun, commander of the 19th Infantry Brigade.