TACLOBN CITY– Two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered on Wednesday, Oct.29, to local authorities and the military in Matuguinao, Samar, marking another step in the town’s continuing push for peace.
Alias “Banban” of Barangay Libertad turned over an M16 rifle, while alias “Jinky” or “Lanie” of Barangay Mahayag surrendered a .45 caliber pistol to the 43rd Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Jason Que.
The surrender was facilitated by the Matuguinao local government headed by Mayor Aran Boller whose been working to end communist armed conflict to his town, 123 kms from the regional center of Tacloban City.
Mayor Boller personally received the former rebels and commended their decision to return to civilian life. He also announced a P50,000 livelihood assistance for each surrenderer, which will be funded by the local government to help them rebuild their lives.
“These brave individuals made the right choice—to choose peace, return to their families, and help build a better Matuguinao,” Boller said in a statement.
The two former rebels have earlier completed custodial debriefing and orientation under the government’s amnesty and reintegration program held from October 21–23, 2025.
Mayor Boller has been active in anti-insurgency programs, frequently working with the military and national agencies to convince NPA members to lay down their arms.
Once considered an insurgency hotspot, Matuguinao, which has a population of more than 7,000 spread on its 20 barangays, has seen a steady improvement in peace and security under his administration.
Since he assumed his post as mayor seven years ago, Boller, who has survived a slay try by NPA rebels in 2018, reported of more than 200 communist sympathizers and rebel members have surrendered to him.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
