A deputy leader of the Pyu Saw Htee has defected to the People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Longlone Township, Tanintharyi Region, bringing weapons and ammunition with him after experiencing unjustified beatings and torture by military soldiers, according to Comrade Shay Door, the information officer of the Longlone Township PDF. On August 8, 2023, Ko La, the deputy leader of Pyu Saw Htee from Kyauknimo village in Longlone Township, arrived at the PDF with military equipment to join their ranks.
Ko La stated that he decided to defect and join forces with the resistance to fight back against the military due to their violent abuse and torture. He is currently being safely housed by the PDF while necessary interrogations and verifications are being conducted. When defecting, Ko La brought with him one firearm, three hand grenades, one inaga, 200 rounds of ammunition, one communication device, and one motorcycle. In recognition of his defection, the PDF has initially awarded him a cash reward of 3 million kyats.
According to PDF Information Officer Comrade Shay Door, Ko La arrived unexpectedly without any prior contact and was overjoyed upon meeting PDF members, shouting ‘Victory!’ when he found them. The PDF warmly welcomed him into their ranks. Before leaving his post, Ko La had disabled military vehicles in Kyauknimo village by removing the wheels from cars, motorcycles, and trawlergis used by the soldiers. Following Ko La’s defection, the military has stopped allowing the remaining Pyu Saw Htee members in Kyauknimo village to carry weapons and has confiscated their mobile phones.
