TWELVE communist rebels have surrendered in separate ceremonies in Maguindanao del Sur, viewed by the military as a sign of the waning strength of the 50-year-old insurgency movement.
Ten of the rebels gave themselves up to the 90th Infantry (Bigkis-Lahi) Battalion in Brgy. Kabinge, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town on Nov. 17, turning in more than 10 high-powered firearms, including a rocket-propelled grenade, a 60-mm mortar, and nine other assorted guns.
The activity was conducted in coordination with the 65th Infantry Battalion, 6th CMO Battalion, the PNP, and the local governments of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Unsay, Datu Hoffer, Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and Ampatuan.
The returnees were presented to Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Brigade, together with local government officials led by Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Bassir Utto.
