A new military recruit from Infantry Battalion 557, who was forcibly conscripted as a porter during a nighttime walk in North Dagon Township, Yangon Region, has defected to the revolution with a firearm, according to an official from the Tanintharyi Township People’s Defense Force (PDF). The defector, identified as Private Win Win from Training Batch 9, had received his military training at the Gyoe Phyu Advanced Military Training School in Taikkyi Township.
Private Win Win left Infantry Battalion 557, based in Auk Kyin village of Tanintharyi Township, on July 30 and directly contacted the Tanintharyi Township People’s Defense Force to arrange his defection with his weapon. He brought with him one MA-2 rifle, one ammunition magazine, and 18 rounds of ammunition. In recognition of his defection with weapons, the People’s Defense Force has initially awarded him one million kyats, with additional rewards to be given later.
According to an official from the People’s Defense Force, the defecting soldier expressed his emotional distress at having to fire upon fellow servicemen, and encouraged other military personnel to escape to the nearest revolutionary forces as soon as possible. The Tanintharyi Region Military Command has announced that they will appropriately honor and reward any service members who defect with their weapons to join the revolutionary forces.
