NEW WAY OF LIFE. Two New People’s Army leaders and a medic surrender to the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Anahaw, Barangay Bantaawan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on Friday (July 1, 2022). They will be included in the national government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to help them restart their lives away from the armed movement. (Photo courtesy of 402nd Infantry Brigade)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Tired of false promises of better lives, two leaders and a medic of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered to the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) in Misamis Oriental, the Philippine Army unit confirmed Sunday.
According to a statement by 1Lt. Claudine Robledo, the 58IB Civil-Military Operations officer, Golden Romania Compas Sr, 42, former political guide of Platoon Falcon, Sub-Regional Committee 1; Neiljan Pasague Legaspino, 29; and Ariel Uba Compas, 27, a medic, surrendered in Sitio Anahaw, Barangay Bantaawan, Gingoog City on Friday.
The surrender was made possible by Compas' older brother, who was also a former rebel.
The trio turned over one M16 rifle improvised into a sniper rifle with magazines and ammunition, one improvised explosive device, two blasting caps, and 10-meter detonating cord.
They are currently under the custody of the 58IB and would be enrolled in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which will provide at least PHP200,000 financial assistance.
"This (surrender) is attributed to all of the hardworking personnel as a result of their relentless efforts and diligence and made possible with the support of the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict), local government units, and the rest of the community," Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander, said in a statement.
He also reiterated their mission to conduct operations until all “enemies are finally neutralized".
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973. (PNA)
