KIDAPAWAN CITY — A discontented member of communist New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the hinterlands of North Cotabato yielded to military authorities, claiming the group was tainted with corruption, a military spokesperson said Wednesday.
Danny Lauda Andip, also known as “Berni”, voluntarily surrendered with his rifle to the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion in Arakan, North Cotabato, according to Capt. Silver Belvis, 39th IB spokesperson.
Until he decided to yield, Andip served the Squad Finance Logistic Officer of Squad Abe, Front Committee 53. He held the post for more than one year.
Andip revealed that a certain “Jecko,” his NPA commander, has been pocketing the cash that were promised to them when joining the NPA.
Andip added that the budget for food supplies was not enough despite the huge amount of revolutionary tax the group had been collecting from multi-national firms.
“The NPA leaders inculcated in us that the government is corrupt when in truth the NPA leaders are the true vultures,” he told Army officials.
A tribal leader in Arakan town facilitated Andip’s surrender after previous fighters turned themselves in and avail of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).
Andip told the Army that a lot of his companions in the mountains of North Cotabato and Bukidnon are planning to bolt out of the organization “but are just buying time.”
Lt. Colonel Harold Argamosa, 39th IB commander, said discontent had been spreading within the communist organization and many wanted to get out and surrender but they were repeatedly threatened by their leaders.
“The challenge is on how to reach this individual in order for them to be enlightened from these communist deceitful actions,” Argamosa said even as he reiterated the government’s offer for them to take the right path and be integrated into the mainstream.
“We are always open for those NPA that would like to surrender, there are many ways in addressing your issues, taking up arms should not be the only choice,” Argamosa said. (PNA)