By Ko Paing / MPA

A total of 136 junta soldiers and police officers, including a major, defected to the resistance under the People’s Embrace program in January, according to a report released Sunday by the National Unity Government’s (NUG) Ministry of Defense.

The defectors coordinated their escape through PDF battalions and People’s Defense Teams operating under the command of the NUG Ministry of Defense and the People’s Embrace Program Central Committee.

 Of the 136 who defected, 83 brought their weapons with them, according to reports.

A former official involved in the Anti-Junta Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and now living in Mae Sot told MPA, “Many soldiers hesitate to defect because they fear instability in their livelihoods. Some remain in the military out of concern for their families. If we can offer resettlement in liberated areas and provide job opportunities, more will certainly follow.”

The 83 defectors surrendered a total of 83 weapons along with ammunition. The NUG Ministry of Defense compensated them based on a predetermined valuation of the weapons.

In response to the military junta’s recent conscription order, the NUG Ministry of Defense urged soldiers and police officers—especially those forcibly recruited—who wish to stand with the people to seek refuge.

It advised them to contact the People’s Embrace Telegram channel (@MyanmarPeople) or reach out to nearby PDF units, Defense Teams, or allied ethnic revolutionary organizations for assistance.

Editor – ML

Translator – Z