73rd Infantry “NEUTRALIZER” Battalion

Brgy Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province

Press Release 09 September 2010

5 NPA surrenderees presented to Congressman Pacquiao

Alabel, Sarangani Province – Five New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderees

were received by Sarangani Province Representative Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao
on September 9, 2010. The surrenderees were identified as Mamerto Booc
Bartulaba, 50 years old; Felbert U Ontic, 28 years old; Bernard B Matugol 41 years
old; Pidring M Mapuno, 38 years old and Benson S Labilon, 30 years old, all from
Sarangani Province. They turned themselves in to the Army Troopers of Bravo
Company, 73IB doing community outreach in the municipality of Glan in the morning
of September 8. They also turned in their firearms which include: one (1) Garrand
rifle, one (1) Cal M1 Carbine, one (1) Springfield, one (1) hand grenade and two
(2)CAL .38 Pistol.

The five surrenderees are members of the Platoon Mazda, Guerilla Front 71 roaming
in the hinterlands of Glan, Malapatan and Alabel all of Sarangani Province. They
have been inactive for the past years due to the hardships of constantly fleeing from
government troops. According to them, they have felt isolation from the community
when soldiers started immersing in the different barangays that have raised the
awareness of the villages on the evils of the communists. They themselves realized
the futility of rebellion as the government of Sarangani and Glan has been actively
reaching out to deliver services.

Relatedly, on August 16, 2010, soldiers from Alpha Company, 73IB rescued a minor
coerced by the New People’s Army (NPA) to bring their supplies. He was met by the
soldiers while trekking the hills of Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani
Province. Found in his possession was a sack containing ammunitions for a Carbine
Rifle and a Cal .45 Pistol. He also yielded 20 pieces of maong Pants, one jacket, one
hammock (duyan) and two pocket belts. He revealed that said items will be delivered
to members of the NPA holed out in the hinterlands of Alabel, Sarangani bounding
Malita, Davao del Sur due to relentless military operations. The Army Troopers have
earlier initiatied Community Outreach Programs in the Municipalities of Alabel and
Malapatan.

The rescued minor was accompanied by 73IB Troopers to the Municipal Social
Welfare and Development Office of Alabel for care and counseling. He was
subsequently turned over to his parents subject to conditions that would prevent the
minor from going back to his old ways. His parents were not aware that their son has
been doing errands for the NPAs.

Under the International Law of Armed Conflict, which the NPAs claim to observe, the
use of minors as couriers is prohibited as it exposes these innocent children to the
dangers of conflict. Our constitution also protects the rights of these children and
gives priority on their education. Unfortunately, the NPA has been taking advantage
of laws favoring the youth to evade liability, particularly the Child and Youth Welfare
Code of the Philippines that exempts the youth from criminal prosecution.

Congressman Pacquiao, in his statement, reiterated his invitation for all other
rebels and armed groups to lay down their arms and join the mainstream as he
offered them livelihood assistance. He condemned the NPA for destroying the future
of the youths who were enticed to join the rebel organization.

73IB Commander, LTC De Leon, for his part said that Army Troopers will
continue to stay with the people in the remote barangays to educate and provide
assistance as conduits of the local government in bringing humanitarian assistance.

PSSupt. Florendo Quidilla, Provincial Director of Sarangani said, “This influx

of surrenderees in Sarangani Province indicates that the province is really getting rid
of insurgents. Those responsible for recruiting minors shall be held liable for child
abuse.”
For his part, 1002Bde Deputy Commander, Col Daniel Soriano reiterated the
commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be the partner for promoting
peace and development. He said: “Child warriors will be rescued from the hands of
the abusive communist rebels.”

Released by:

JOHN COLBE SEPULCHRE

2LT (INF) PA
Public Information Officer, 73rd IB
Contact no. # 09219261912