NEW LIFE AHEAD. The squad leader of the weakened Guerrilla Front 19, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army in Agusan del Norte, surrenders to the local police station in Kitcharao town, Agusan del Norte, Monday afternoon (April 5, 2021). Identified only as 'Saski' by the police, the surrenderer says he wants to renew his life and avail of the government's reintegration program for former rebels. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)
BUTUAN CITY – A squad leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Monday afternoon in the Agusan del Norte town of Santiago.
In a statement Tuesday, the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) identified the rebel only as “Saski,” 30, a resident of Santiago.
Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., PRO-13 director, said the rebel surrendered to the neighboring municipal police station in Kitcharao town and handed over a caliber .45 pistol and ammunition.
“He served as the squad leader of weakened Guerrilla Front (GF) 19, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA,” Caramat said.
“Saski” had been in the NPA movement for more than three years, he added.
“He is also listed in the Periodic Status Report of the Joint AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)-PNP Intelligence Committee Area for the 1st Quarter of 2021,” Caramat said.
He said the surrenderer "wished to renew his life" through the programs and services under the Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (ECLIP).
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)
