An Army commander in Northern Samar called on New People’s Army (NPA) holdouts to lay down arms and return to the fold of the law.
“We will ensure your safety and will help you get the necessary assistance from the government. Choose a peaceful path, and be united with your family,” said Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, chief of the Army’s 81st Infantry Division.
Ligayo issued the call following the capture of a wounded NPA rebel who was reportedly abandoned by his comrades who fled amid a fierce gun battle with the troops in the hinterland of Pambujan town, Northern Samar.
Lt. Col. Marvin Maraggun, commander of the 19 Infantry Brigade, said the encounter with the insurgents came following intelligence report from the villagers about armed men roaming in their community.
The wounded rebel was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.