Army reports more Negros rebels surrenderers

SHARE THIS STORY
TWEET IT
Email

The 62nd Infantry Battalion and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 of the Philippine Army reported that eight more self-confessed New People’s Army rebels surrendered in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, on Nov. 8.

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, 62nd IB commander, said the eight rebels, composed of a Red fighter and seven Yunit Militia members, surrendered four .357 and .38 caliber revolvers with 23 live ammunition.

The eight NPA rebels surrender assorted guns with ammunition to Guihulngan City Mayor Carlo Jorge Joan Reye. 62IB Photo

They were identified as Ka RR, a member of the Sentro de Grabidad Platoon squad one of the Leonardo Panaligan Command; Romeo Barbaquil, alias Ka Sammy; Allan Alpas, Marlou Estrada, Reynaldo Delantes, Mariano Libaton, alias La Moloy, Arlita Jabalde, and Bernaldo Besario, alias Ka Booboy, all NPA militiamen.

They were presented to Guihulngan City Mayor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes.

Flores said the latest surrenderers brought to 25 the number of NPA fighters and militias who surrendered in Guihulngan City alone since August this year. They endorsed to authorities seven assorted firearms.

Members of the Yunit Militia are the territorial forces of the NPA, similar to the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit of the Philippine Army.

Flores added that 25 NPA supporters also pledged allegiance to the government, in the same period.

Last week, a rebel amazon also surrendered to the 15th Infantry Battalion in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental, and turned over a .357 caliber revolver.

Flores lauded the decision of the eight rebels to abandon the armed struggle, and he assured them of assistance through the Enhanced Local Integration Program of the government.

“What we have gained now is the gradual result of our Whole-of-Nation Approach to end the Local Communist Armed Conflict,” he added. -GPB