A lance corporal from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 24 based in Pauk Township, Magway Region, has defected to the people’s side with weapons and ammunition, according to an official from the People’s Defense Force’s Battalion 5 in Pakokku District. The incident occurred on June 3rd, when the lance corporal brought with him two MA-3 rifles, one MG-1 bomb, 214 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and four ammunition magazines. The People’s Defense Force in Pakokku District has stated that they welcome defectors from the military council who bring weapons and ammunition when joining the people’s side.
The Battalion 5 commander warmly welcomed the lance corporal and awarded him with a honorarium of 7 million kyats (70 lakhs). The commander expressed particular appreciation for the soldier’s individual initiative in bringing weapons and ammunition while defecting to the people’s side. The battalion has also issued calls for remaining soldiers under the military council to defect to the people’s side with their weapons and ammunition while there is still time. The commander further noted that morale within the military council’s forces continues to decline, with ongoing defections of troops from their ranks.
