SURRENDER. Two supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered to authorities in Dumarao, Capiz on July 7, 2021. They will be validated and recommended to avail of benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Interrogation Program. (Photo courtesy of Capiz Police Provincial Office)
ILOILO CITY – The government’s campaign to end local communist armed conflict continues to bear fruit as two supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered to authorities in Dumarao, Capiz.
Col. Joem Malong, the spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6), said in an interview on Friday that the surrenderers, both residents of Barangay Bungsuan in Dumarao, presented themselves at the Dumarao Municipal Police Station on July 7, 2021.
"Ka Fidel", 66, and "Ka Kano", 31, decided to surrender to make it clear they no longer support the rebel movement, she added.
Malong said Ka Fidel was an active supporter of the CPP-NPA sometime in 1992 and became inactive starting November 17, 2017. He used to be a leader and speaker in every mass action in Roxas City.
He was also on the list of periodic status reports on a threat group known as the Regional White Area Committee (RWAC) and chair of the Kahublagan ng mga Mangunguma sa Capiz (Kamaca).
“After 29 years, Ka Fidel decided to disband the group to live a normal and fearless life. This motivated him to surrender to the government and also to clear his name,” Malong said.
On the other hand, Ka Kano served as security when revolutionary taxes were being collected.
He left in 2012, just after a year in the movement.
He also turned over two pistolized single-shot homemade shotguns without markings, three shotgun ammunition, and one 40mm grenade launcher projectile.
Malong said they will be profiled and validated to be able to avail of benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Interrogation Program (E-CLIP).
The spokesperson also credited the Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assigned in the area as well as barangay officials for being effective in convincing CPP-NPA supporters and members to return to the government's fold.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
