SURRENDERED. A rebel in Northern Samar hands over a gun to policemen upon his surrender on Feb. 2, 2021. More members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Samar provinces have abandoned the communist terrorist group ideology and turned themselves in to authorities this week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Thursday (Feb. 4, 2021). (Photo courtesy of PNP Northern Samar)
TACLOBAN CITY – More members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Samar provinces have abandoned the communist terrorist group ideology and turned themselves in to authorities this week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Thursday.
In Lavezares, Northern Samar, alias "Rex", 20, an NPA squad fighter surrendered to the police mobile force battalion on Wednesday, turning over a .45-caliber pistol with magazine and six ammunition.
“He voluntarily surrendered himself as he became concerned about his safety and security. He made his escape away from the NPA lair on May 13, 2020,” the police said in its report.
In San Jorge, Samar, alias "Peddy", 56, voluntarily surrendered to the local police on Wednesday. He was the vice squad leader of the NPA in San Jorge town. He’s been evading arrest after facing an attempted murder case filed in 2010.
The former rebel told the police that he yielded to authorities since he wants to live a peaceful life and avail of government programs meant for former insurgents.
In Northern Samar, two members of the communist terrorist group also voluntarily surrendered to policemen on Tuesday.
Col. Arnel Apud, Northern Samar police provincial office director identified the surrenderers as alias "Ester", 26, and alias "Rolly", 57.
Ester was a member of sub-regional committee (SRC)-Artic operating in the areas of Mapanas, Gamay, and Lapinig in Northern Samar province. He also turned over his .45-caliber pistol with magazine and ammunition.
Rolly, a former member of Yunit Militia of SRC-Emporium operating in the areas of the first legislative district of Northern Samar, handed over an M-16 rifle, a magazine, and one unit of caliber .357 revolver with four live ammunition during his surrender.
"We will continue our mandate to help address the insurgency problem in Northern Samar. We assure that the welfare of rebels, who renew allegiance to the government, is our paramount concern," Apud said in a statement.
The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
