A newly recruited soldier from the military council camp located on Paynwekon-Natthankin Road in Kyauktaga Township, Bago Region, has defected to the People’s Defense Force (PDF) with a firearm and ammunition, as confirmed by the Deputy Battalion Commander of Battalion No. 2, P-3702, Bago District. The defection occurred on April 15, with the soldier bringing along an MA-1 rifle, four magazines, and 96 rounds of 5.56 ammunition.
The defector, a 28-year-old from Natpuhtee village in Kyuhtawkan village tract, Paungde Township, had undergone training as part of Batch 7 at Oaktwin Military Training Center 6. He was forcibly conscripted into military service, with soldiers entering his house at 7 PM, handcuffing him, and taking him to the military recruitment center against his will. He had no prior criminal record or violations when he was forcibly recruited.
Officials from Battalion No. 2 of Bago District have transported the defector to a secure location and are working to facilitate his reintegration into civilian life. The revolutionary forces have issued statements welcoming other forcibly conscripted soldiers to defect, assuring them of warm reception and safety. They have established communication channels through their battalion’s social media page for potential defectors to make contact and arrange their escape from military service. The revolutionary forces emphasize that they will continue to assist those who wish to leave the military council’s forced service and return to civilian life.
