Ex-rebel bomb expert surrenders in Maguindanao del Norte — PH Army
An alleged former rebel bomb expert has surrendered to the government in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said in a statement Friday.
Commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) Brigadier General Jose Vladimir Cagara said the military will not divulge the identity of the ex-rebel for security reasons.
"Ang 35-anyos na dating rebelde ay boluntaryong sumuko bunsod ng matinding takot sa kanyang kaligtasan dulot ng sunod-sunod at pinaigting na operasyon ng militar laban sa kanilang grupo," the 6ID said, adding that his surrender happened on Wednesday.
(The 35-year-old former rebel voluntarily surrendered due to extreme fear for his safety amid the continuous and intensified military operations against his group.)
"Kasabay ng kanyang pagbabalik-loob, isinuko rin ng dating bomb expert ang mga kagamitang pandigma na kinabibilangan ng isang Uzi 9mm submachine gun at isang 60mm improvised explosive device (IED)," it added.
(Along with his surrender, the former bomb expert also surrendered his war equipment which includes an Uzi 9mm submachine gun and a 60mm improvised explosive device (IED).)
Major General Donald Gumiran, commander of 6ID, lauded the decision of the former rebel.
"Sa halip na maghasik ng karahasan, mas pinili niyang tahakin ang landas ng kapayapaan. Ito ay patunay na hindi pa huli ang lahat para sa sinuman na nagnanais ng pagbabago at bagong simula," he added.
(Instead of sowing violence, he chose to walk the path of peace. This is proof that it is not too late for anyone who wants change and a new beginning.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News
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