By John Roson

BUKIDNON – Two ranking leaders of the New People’s Army surrendered and handed over a cache of high-powered firearms to government forces in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the military reported.

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, Army 403rd Brigade commander, identified the surrenderors as Armando Daluniag and Roland Lagunday.

Daluniag, known by the aliases “Ambo,” “Satur,” “Pegan,” and “Dario,” served as commander of Headquarters Force Neo under the North-Central Mindanao Regional Committee and was former deputy secretary of Guerilla Front 89, while Lagunday, known by the alias “Ben,” led a squad under the same unit.

The two handed over four M16 rifles, three AK-47 rifles, two M653 rifles, an M230 grenade launcher, and an M14 rifle when they surrendered to the 403rd Brigade in Brgy. Manalog on Thursday.

Maj. Gen. Andres Centino, 4th Infantry Division commander, said that the surrenders were in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for NPA members to yield.

“We expect that more NPA leaders and members will heed the call of the President to return to the folds of the government,” he added.

During his visit to Cagayan de Oro City last March 5, President Duterte assured NPA members that the government will provide all necessary assistance, including livelihood, skills training, and housing, to those who will surrender.

“The surrenderors are now under the custody of 403rd Brigade for debriefing. We will ensure that all the benefits mentioned by the President will be provided to them,” Centino said. (Daily Tribune)