RECOVERED. Some of the firearms unearthed by the Philippine Army in San Isidro, Northern Samar on August 14, 2023. A rebel who surrendered to soldiers revealed the location of the arms cache. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
TACLOBAN CITY – Four members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including their leader, surrendered to the Philippine Army in Northern Samar, leading to the discovery of an arms cache, the military said on Thursday.
Three rebels identified as alias Doming, 27, platoon leader; alias Pampam, 21, medic; and alias Gwen, 25, political guide, all from platoon 2 of front committee 15, sub-regional committee (SRC) arctic of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), turned themselves in to the 20th IB headquarters in Las Navas town on August 14.
Another NPA member, only identified as RC, surrendered to 43rd IB in Lope De Vega town, on the same day. He was a finance officer of the remnants of the sub-regional guerilla unit, SRC Emporium of the EVRPC.
RC told the military the location of a buried arms cache in the upland village of San Isidro town. The government troops later found anti-personnel mines, an M16 rifle, a home-made cal.22 long barrel with magazine, an M16 upper receiver and three magazines, and other war materiel.
Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, commended the former rebels’ decision to lay down their arms and cooperate with the government.
He also urged the remaining rebels to surrender and assured them that the government is sincere in helping them start a new life.
“We will ensure your safety and well-being when you lay down your arms and live peacefully with your families. We will work together with other stakeholders to provide necessary assistance as you reintegrate back into the community,” Ligayo said. (PNA)
