Davao City – A New People’s Army rebel has decided to surrender to authorities after learning that his commander who was wounded in an encounter with the military a few weeks ago is being treated well by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The rebel surrenderee, who was identified only as Joel, gave himself up to the Army’s 7th Special Forces Company stationed in Barangay Banlag in Monkayo, Compostela Valley last February 10.

Joel and Zaldy Cañete alias Ka Jinggoy both belonged to the NPA’s Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU) with more or less 30 fully armed members.

Joel was reportedly introduced to the SRGU by a neighbor who tried to paint a bad image of the government.

Joel was working as a helper in a logging company when he saw on television the video footage of Jinggoy being treated humanely by the military.

The realization convinced him to finally come out of hiding to start a new life.

The Army’s 10th Infantry Division based at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario (formerly known as Camp Panacan) under Major Gen. Carlos Holganza has repeatedly emphasized its desire to bring peace in the Davao region by winning back ordinary civilians who, by sweet promises, deceit or coercion, were enticed to join the NPA.

“Our victory against insurgency is best measured by the number of NPA members, like Joel, we win over.

We rejoice not over the death of our misguided countrymen but on the success of our effort to reach out to them, enlighten them and save them from their difficult situation and sure destruction,” Holganza said.