BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – In a coordinated effort by the Tubungan municipal police station and local government, two active New People’s Army (NPA) members surrendered on April 1 in Sitio Sunugan, Barangay Teniente Benito.
The 29-year-old “Romy”, a squad leader, and his partner “Juliet”, a political guide, had been involved with the communist armed group for over 10 years.
Following their surrender, the couple received relief packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and financial assistance from the local government of Tubungan under Mayor Roquito Tacsagon.
They are also eligible for a livelihood reintegration program aimed at helping rebel returnees reintegrate into society.
“Romy” and “Juliet” said a decade of life underground was difficult and came to the realization that they just wanted normal, peaceful lives.
Police Colonel Ronaldo Palomo, police provincial director, praised the collaborative effort of the Tubungan police force led by Police Captain Alberto Manguilimotan Jr., and the Tubungan local government unit to facilitate the surrender.
He emphasized that the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program provides vital assistance to former rebels, encouraging other insurgents to surrender and reintegrate into civilian life.
Palomo appealed to the residents of Iloilo to support the government’s whole-of-nation approach in ending the local communist armed conflict.
He also urged other NPA members to lay down their arms, offering assurances of peceful facilitated surrender and comprehensive support./PN
