Former rebel yields, leads troops to Iloilo arms cache

ILOILO CITY — A former member of the New People’s Army voluntarily surrendered to military authorities on the afternoon of Oct. 11.

Alias “Dandan,” 47, a resident of Leon, Iloilo, surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion based at Camp Monteclaro in Barangay Igtuba, Miag-ao, Iloilo.

Dandan claimed to have previously served as the finance and logistics officer of the Puregold Platoon under the dismantled Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay’s Southern Panay Front.

He also turned over an Akkar Charles Daly 12-gauge shotgun with a defaced serial number and three cartridges.

During his surrender, Dandan also provided information about an alleged arms cache of the communist rebel group.

Acting on the information, 61st IB troops located and recovered a concealed arms cache in Barangay Bucari, Leon.

Military personnel recovered 45 magazines for M16 rifles; a Type C antipersonnel mine or improvised explosive device; a detonator; two backpacks containing personal belongings; a sweatshirt bearing the name Bagong Hukbong Bayan; assorted medical paraphernalia; a song booklet and Communist Party of the Philippines anniversary postcards; and a hammock.

Lt. Col. Jekyll Julian Dulawan, commander of the 61st IB, said the recovery of the arms cache, particularly the improvised explosive device and detonator, was a significant development in the continuing efforts of government security forces to prevent potential threats to civilian communities and maintain peace and security in the province.

He also said Dandan’s surrender underscored the importance of sustained dialogue, coordination and collaboration among government security forces in encouraging remaining members of armed groups to abandon the armed struggle and pursue peaceful reintegration into mainstream society.

Dulawan assured the public that the 61st IB remains committed to promoting lasting peace and security through collaboration, reconciliation and collective efforts toward building safer and more progressive communities.

Dandan was placed under the custody of the 61st Infantry Battalion for appropriate debriefing and proper disposition in accordance with existing procedures.