SUPPLIES ARE CUT. Three NPA members who once served as couriers of food and other supplies for the rebels in Agusan del Sur surrenders to the police on Monday (June 20, 2022). The police in Region 13 said the surrender was the result of continuing negotiations made by the local police force in the area. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)
BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) reported on Tuesday the surrender of three New People’s Army (NPA) members who served as food and supply couriers to rebel units in Agusan del Sur.
Monday's surrender of the three insurgents was made possible through negotiations facilitated by the intelligence unit of Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) and the San Luis Municipal Police Station, PRO-13 said in a statement.
“The negotiation is part of the efforts of PRO-13 to fight insurgency and in support of the Whole-of-Nation Approach of the government to end the local communist armed conflict,” PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., was quoted as saying.
The surrenderers were identified only as "Michael," 26, "Marcos," 25, and "Daisy," 44. They are all residents of San Luis, Agusan del Sur.
They handed over a .3516-caliber revolver, a Smith and Wesson .357 revolver, and a .30-caliber US Carbine M2 rifle.
“They are all members of NPA in the Barrio under the Guerilla Front 88, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA,” Caramat said.
He added that the three also acted as rebel informers aside from being couriers
“The Communist Terrorist Group in the Caraga Region will soon meet its end through the continuing and aggressive efforts of the police and the Army,” Caramat said.
He added that the support of the different line agencies and the civilians in communities will further weaken the NPA in the region.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)
