CATARMAN, Northern Samar— Four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities in Northern Samar, while security forces recovered six high-powered rifles from two concealed caches during follow-up operations from Sept. 10 to 13.
The four, identified only by their aliases “Junjun,” “Yana,” “Tanggol,” and “Digma,” were members of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit under the Sub-Regional Committee Arctic of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, according to the military.
Their surrender was facilitated through a family-centered Local Peace Engagement involving local government officials, soldiers and police officers.
The military said the former rebels cited difficult living conditions, dwindling local support and food shortages as among the reasons they decided to abandon the armed struggle and return to their families.
They also reportedly complained of strict leadership and alleged disregard for the welfare of members under Chadwick Suazo, alias “Estella,” whom the military identified as a leader of the group.
Following the surrender, joint military and police forces conducted operations in the vicinity of Can-erib in Sityo Canonghan, Barangay Osmeña, Palapag, Northern Samar.
The operation led to the discovery of two weapons caches containing four M16 rifles and two M14 rifles.
Personnel from the 78th Infantry Battalion, 20th Infantry Battalion, 32nd Special Action Company and 3rd Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police took part in the operation.
The four surrenderers are undergoing medical and dental examinations, custodial debriefing and other procedures for their proper disposition, the military said.
The 803rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, headed by Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan, said it would continue supporting peace initiatives and efforts to help NPA members return to their families and communities through legal and peaceful means.
The brigade also called on remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and avail themselves of government reintegration and assistance programs.
(EUGENE M. ENANO)
