Mt. Province NPA reb yields to authorities

By Paula Antolin

PARACELIS, Mountain Province -- A member of the New People’s Army surrendered to the military and police here last week.
    Arnold Quelang Baquiran, alias Cobra, a 42-year-old resident of Sitio Pagga in Barangay Bantay here surrendered to the 69th Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force Kaugnay and their police counterpart at Camp Henry T. Acmor in Barangay Butigue of the same municipality, Northern Luzon Command commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto C. Torres Jr. said.
    Baquiran was a former commander of the NPA in the Barrio, Milisyang Bayan, San Mariano, Isabela, Komiteng Probinysang Isabela, according to Torres.
    He also surrendered his firearm, one Springfield cal. 30 Garand rifle with five rounds 30 cal. ammo and nine rounds 40mm ammo for M203 grenade launcher.
    Torres welcomed Baquiran and attributed his surrender to the relentless community support programs of the troops in the area and Baquiran’s genuine intent for peace and reformation.
    Torres urged NPA guerillas and their supporters to heed the call for peace and development of the government and come back to the folds of the law and contribute as productive citizens of the Philippines.