BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO
ROXAS City – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) under Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Capiz province.
The surrenderees were Ka Ben, 37, of Miag-ao, Iloilo and 22-year-old Ka EJ of Brgy. Daan Sur, Tapaz, Capiz.
The AFP declined to reveal the real names of the two to protect them from possible reprisals by their former colleagues in the armed struggle.
Ka Ben was a member of Suyak Platoon, Napoleon Tumagtang Command, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay. He turned himself in to the Philippine Army’s 301st Brigade in Tapaz.
EJ was a member of Squad 2, Central Front Committee of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay.
“We in the AFP welcome our lost brothers with open arms. Together with local government officials and other stakeholders, we will help reintegrate them to society,” said Major General Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander.
Baladad said Ka Ben and Ka EJ surrendered because life in the mountains was becoming difficult. Hunger stalked them.
Baladad called on other NPA members to surrender and live peacefully with their families.
Eighteen rebels have abandoned the armed struggle since January this year, 3ID records showed.
Baladad attributed the surrender to the stakeholders and community that cooperate with the AFP and other government forces.
He also said their troops in the field continue to conduct offensive operations especially in areas considered as rebel-infested./PN
