TACLOBAN CITY — A couple who once held key positions in the New People’s Army (NPA) in Samar have surrendered to government forces in Basey, marking the end of more than two decades of involvement in the communist insurgency, the military reported.
The 63rd Infantry Battalion said the two former rebels, identified only by their aliases “Aga” and “Bigo,” also turned over high-powered firearms and ammunition to joint Army units as they formally renounced their armed activities.
Both had reportedly served under the Sub-Regional Committee Sesame of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), with their roles later rising to leadership positions within the group.
According to the military, the couple cited years of hardship in the mountains, prolonged separation from their children, and disillusionment with the armed movement as key reasons for their surrender.
Aga said she was recruited into the underground movement at the age of 14 through family influence, recalling that she grew up knowing only life in the armed struggle.
“I didn’t know any other life except the armed movement that fueled my youth,” she said.
Bigo, meanwhile, was also recruited at a young age and said he endured years of hunger, fear, and the loss of fellow fighters during encounters with government troops.
The two later met within the organization and rose through its ranks, with Bigo becoming acting secretary of SRC Sesame and Aga serving as vice squad leader.
Despite their positions, both said life in the armed group was marked by constant fear and emotional strain, particularly the long separation from their children, who were left in the care of relatives in the lowlands for safety.
They also cited the surrender of former comrades and the government’s reintegration programs as factors that influenced their decision to return to the fold of the law. Aga noted that her parents, who surrendered in 2024, had benefited from assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
The couple also credited Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) efforts for opening opportunities for dialogue and encouraging members of insurgent groups to surrender peacefully.
Following their surrender, the former rebels are expected to undergo processing for government reintegration assistance, including livelihood support under ECLIP.
Lt. Col. Ricky James L. Rosalejos, commanding officer of the 63rd Infantry Battalion, said the surrender highlights the effectiveness of government peace initiatives and reintegration programs.
He urged remaining members of the communist terrorist group in Samar to consider returning to their families and availing themselves of government support to start new lives.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
