An official reported Monday that government forces apprehended a pregnant communist rebel in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat province, and provided necessary care for an expectant mother.

According to Lt. Colonel John Paul Baldomar, commander of the Army's 37th Infantry Battalion (IB), on March 17, joint police and military personnel arrested a pregnant New People's Army (NPA) rebel known only as "Dayang" for attempted murder charges in Barangay Napnapon, Palimbang.

"She was abandoned by her comrades since she was pregnant because she would cause delays in evading government forces," Baldomar said in a statement.

The warrant was carried out by the municipal police offices of Kalamansig and Palimbang, as well as 37IB.

Dayang, an NPA logistics officer, said that she was pleased with how the government forces treated her.

The commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, Major General Alex Rillera, stated that government forces will "continue to hunt down communist rebels, but our doors are open for those who will opt to peacefully surrender."

Since January, four communist rebel leaders have been apprehended, 18 others have been arrested, 12 have surrendered with their firearms, and nine have been killed within the 6ID's operational area.

The provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of Sarangani town in North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur are covered by the 6ID.