TACLOBAN CITY — A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities in Calubian, Leyte, marking another step in the government’s intensified campaign to dismantle armed insurgency and encourage rebel returnees to rejoin mainstream society.
The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) identified the surrenderee as alias “Junie,” 43, a resident of Carigara, Leyte. He was previously assigned to the Buhawi Platoon of the Sub-Regional Party Committee LEVOX under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee and had operated in several second-district towns, including Jaro, Carigara, Capoocan, and Kananga.
Authorities said the former rebel voluntarily surrendered in Barangay Cristina, Calubian, and turned over a caliber .38 revolver with three rounds of ammunition, as well as an unmarked rifle grenade.
PRO-8 said the surrender was made possible through the coordinated efforts of multiple police units, including the 2nd Leyte Police Mobile Force Company, the Provincial Intelligence Unit Tracker Team, Regional Intelligence Unit 8, Provincial Intelligence Team Leyte, the 34th Special Action Company of the 3rd Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, the 805th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and the Calubian Municipal Police Station.
PRO-8 Regional Director PBGen Jason Capoy commended the police units involved, saying the surrender reflected progress toward lasting peace and increasing public confidence in government peace and security programs.
The former rebel is currently under the custody of the 2nd Leyte Police Mobile Force Company headquarters for proper disposition and assessment, including possible enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
