Rebel ‘leader’ surrenders

From the Sun Star-Baguio (Jan 27): Rebel ‘leader’ surrenders

An alleged leader of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines voluntarily surrendered to policemen and military operatives on January 21. The rebel returnee was identified as Connie Santiago Valera alias James/Yasser, 29, male, single, and a resident of Poblacion, Lacub, Abra.

Policemen claimed he is a member of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee and is listed as number five in the 4th quarter order of battle in 2012.
 
Valera surrendered around 4 a.m. at sitio Abubutok, Lenneng Licuan-Baay, Abra and is now under the custody of the Abra Provincial Police Office for documentation, debriefing, and proper disposition.

During the debriefing, Valera shared when he joined the communist movement, he experienced difficulties and disappointment, especially when he was used by the rebels in their various criminal activities in order to generate resources to sustain their existence in the mountains. After his realization, Valera then decided to surrender to start a normal and peaceful life with the community.

The operating troops that facilitated his surrender include operatives from the Regional Public Safety Battalion, Provincial Intelligence Branch, Lacub and Sallapadan Municipal Police Stations, Military Intelligence Group, 41st Infantry Battalion and 503rd Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Police Regional Office Director Benjamin Magalong cited that Valera’s surrender is another accomplishment of government forces in their effort to significantly reduce the number of communist rebels operating in the different parts of the region as he called on the remaining rebels to surrender for a peaceful life.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2013/01/27/rebel-leader-surrenders-265050