A sergeant from Infantry Battalion 561, based in Nyaung Pin Kwin village of Tanintharyi Township, Tanintharyi Region, has defected to the People’s Defence Force (PDF) – Myeik District Battalion 3. The sergeant defected on June 8 without weapons, and is currently being kept in a secure location while procedures are being followed, according to an official from PDF Battalion 3. The official confirmed that while the sergeant arrived without weapons, appropriate arrangements are being made to accommodate him.
The defecting sergeant, who had served in the military for five years, stated that he fled due to the self-serving actions of officers within the military and their discriminatory treatment and oppression of subordinates. According to his testimony, he could no longer tolerate the internal conditions of the military. The PDF Battalion 3 official stated that while it would be more advantageous for future defectors to bring weapons, they always welcome those who genuinely wish to join the people’s side, whether they come with or without weapons.
Additionally, a member of the People’s Militia from Light Infantry Battalion 52, based in Kanti town, Sagaing Region, also defected without weapons to the People’s Defence Force under the Ministry of Defence of the National Unity Government in Kanti Township on June 18. The PDF Voice group has announced that People’s Defence Forces continue to implement the people’s military strategy to encourage continuous defections and surrenders from within the military ranks. These recent defections demonstrate the ongoing efforts of resistance forces to welcome military personnel who choose to stand with the people.
