Two new recruits from Infantry Battalion 591 based in Ye Township, Mon State, have defected to the Daw Na Column without weapons. According to Deputy Battalion Commander Bo Way Gyi, spokesperson for Daw Na Column-P29902, the two soldiers sought guidance from local residents before making contact with revolutionary forces. The defectors, identified as Private Zaw Htoo and Private Aung Pyae Sone, were originally conscripted into military service through forced recruitment. They had received training at the Non-Commissioned Officer Training School and Wet Ka Le Training School respectively.
The Daw Na Column has welcomed the defectors and currently has 23 former military personnel serving as People’s Defense Force members. Similarly, Private Wai Lin Tun from Infantry Battalion 556 based in Zwe Village, Tanintharyi Township, defected on November 4, 2024, bringing with him an MA-2 rifle, 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and a magazine. The National Unity Government’s Ministry of Defense has awarded him 6 million kyats as recognition for his defection.
Revolutionary forces continue to welcome military personnel and police force members who wish to stand with the people against the military council’s forced conscription policies. The Daw Na Column and allied forces have established channels for military and police personnel to safely defect and join the revolution. They emphasize that those who were forcibly recruited under the military’s conscription law can contact nearby revolutionary forces to defect. The People’s Defense Forces provide protection and support for defectors who choose to join the democratic movement against the military council that continues to commit violence against civilians.
