TACLOBAN CITY – The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has facilitated the voluntary surrender of two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in separate operations in Samar on September 1, 2025.
In Sta. Rita, elements of the Municipal Police Station and the Regional Intelligence Unit-8 assisted the surrender of alias “Jerry,” 35, a former member of SRGU Bugsok, SRC Sesame, and EVRPC, active from 2013 to 2022. With the help of a relative, he chose to leave the armed movement to pursue a peaceful life. He turned over a .357 caliber revolver with six live rounds, now under police custody for proper disposal.
On the same day in Calbiga, alias “Itong,” 53, a farmer and former member of the Apoy Platoon, SRC Sesame, EVRPC, yielded to the 2nd Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC) after a series of negotiations. He is now under the protective custody of the 2nd SPMFC and has received initial cash assistance and grocery items.
Police Regional Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy lauded the police units involved, saying the peaceful surrender of former rebels reflects communities’ trust in government initiatives to maintain security and promote reintegration. Both returnees are being assessed for enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
PRO-8 reaffirmed its commitment to support the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and encouraged other active members of the communist group to surrender and embrace a peaceful and productive life.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
