TACLOBAN CITY —A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered to authorities in Leyte, turning over a firearm and signaling his decision to return to civilian life.
The surrender took place on September 8 at the 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (LPMFC) headquarters in Barangay Ga-as, Baybay City.
The 48-year-old, known only by his alias “Jake,” is a carpenter from Leyte town and a former member of the Buhawi Platoon under the Amandawin Command, which operated in Villaba, Calubian, and San Isidro.
“Jake” surrendered a .38 caliber revolver without a serial number and three live rounds of ammunition. His surrender was facilitated by a joint operation involving the 1st LPMFC, the 31st Special Action Company, the 3rd Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force, the Regional Intelligence Unit 8, and the Baybay City Police Station.
Police Regional Office 8 director PB/Gen Jason Capoy commended the coordinated efforts that led to the surrender and renewed his call for other insurgents to give up the armed struggle.
“We urge those still engaged in armed conflict to return to the folds of the law and take part in nation-building. The PNP remains committed to ending the local communist insurgency and promoting peace in the region,” Capoy said in a statement.
The returnee is now under the custody of the 1st LPMFC for documentation and possible enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides assistance for the reintegration of former rebels. The surrendered firearm will be turned over to the Leyte Police Provincial Office for proper disposition.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
