Two communist rebels apprehended, one surrendered in Mindanao — AFP

Two communist rebels were apprehended while another surrendered in separate operations in Mindanao, the military said Saturday.

Government troops captured Ronnie “Lito” Calibay and Jimmy “Jim” Samonte, both members of Guerrilla Front 18, Sub-Regional Committee 2, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (GF18, SRC2, SMRC) in Sitio Banhawan, Barangay Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental on Thursday.

In a separate operation, Ongiles Landahay, a member of Squad Primera, Platoon Andoy, Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRGU, SRC5, SMRC), surrendered and endorsed his M16 rifle to the government forces in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte.

The military also recovered several firearms composed of M14, M16, and Bushmaster rifles from the former rebels who previously surrendered to the troops and disclosed the location of the arms cache at Sitio Magkilo, Barangay Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental on Friday.

A caliber 50-sniper rifle with 25 rounds of ammunition, and subversive document that has high intelligence value was also recovered on the same day at Sitio 1K, Barangay Bunawan Brook, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

An anti-personnel mine was also seized in Sitio Bagong Silang, Barangay Bayugan 3, Rosario, Agusan del Sur after troops acted upon the revelation of former rebels, which led to the recovery of high-powered firearms and other war materials.

Lieutenant General Greg Almerol, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, welcomed the peaceful surrender of the communist rebel and urged others to “emulate the example of those who have already chosen the path of peace by embracing the government’s sincere offer.”

“Do not wait for another year to pass without changing the course of your life. I urge you to make your peaceful surrender as your New Year’s resolution,” Almerol said in a statement.

He also said that the government forces will not hesitate to use force if the rebels continue to resort to violent means. — VBL, GMA News