LOSING GROUND. Police Regional Office-Caraga Region director Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II says Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2023) that the communist New People’s Army (NPA) is losin grip on members following the surrender of 14 combatants from Jan. 1-15 this year. In addition, 10 wanted NPA fighters are also arrested in a series of police operations during the period. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13)
BUTUAN CITY – At least 14 members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) yielded to various police field units of the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) from Jan. 1-15, an official said Wednesday.
“We welcome the NPA rebels who decided to abandon the communist movement and return to their families and communities,” said PRO-13 Director, Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, in a statement.
The surrenderers also handed over nine high-powered firearms and three explosives to the PRO-13 operatives in 15 days, he added.
Among those who surrendered was “Oliver”, 36, a supply officer who turned himself in on January 1 to the operatives of the PRO-13 intelligence division.
Meanwhile, police also arrested 10 NPA guerrillas wanted for various crimes.
Among those arrested were four NPA rebels who fell during a simultaneous police operation conducted in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on Jan. 10.
Apprehended were Allan G. Delaguer, 39; Boyet D. Sarsona, 43; Junito F. Dagno, 55; and Pedro A. Sarsona, 75; all members of the NPA Guerrilla Front 19-B Kamandag Unit, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
The four were arrested by arrest warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 28 in Lianga, Surigao del Sur for murder and frustrated murder.
Labra said the arrests during the period were the result of the police's aggressive anti-insurgency drive "to bring justice to the victims of the senseless NPA rebellion." (PNA)
