3 NPAs receive cash reward after surrender in Isabela
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela (October 24) -- Three NPA rebels who voluntarily turned themselves into the fold of law has received cash reward for each firearm they surrendered to the Army officials here last week.
Rafael Gunday, Randy Sapongen and Antonio Pingian, all from Abra province, received a total of P56,000 as firearms compensation under the Balik-Baril Program of the government.
Gunday, aka Sonny, from Kilong Alao, Boliney, Abra received the amount of P2,000 for turning-in his Springfield rifle.
Sapongen, aka Allen, from Ampalick, Luba also received the amount of P18,000 for his M16 rifle and Pingian, aka Anton, from Manabo received the amount of P36,000 for turning in two rifles, an M16 and M14.
The three NPA rebels decided to surrender after they have experienced hardship, hunger and demoralization in the mountains. They said that life in the mountains has become very difficult due to lack of food and unrelenting combat operations of government troops.
Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Melchor J. Dilodilo handed the cash reward to the returnees in a simple surrender rite inside the camp. The two star general described the surrender of the rebels as a positive development in the Philippine Army's effort to convince members of the communist terrorist group to abandon the armed struggle and live a normal life with their families and loved ones. (PIA-Isabela) [top]
