Rebel couple surrenders

From the Sun Star-Tacloban (Oct 30): Rebel couple surrenders

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – A couple, who admitted to be active members of the New People’s Army (NPA), has surrendered to government troops in Northern Samar on Sunday, October 27.

Ruel Sirse, alias “Bulay,” 35, and Melly Esponilla alias “Mica,” 45, surrendered to soldiers of the 34th Infantry Battalion based in Palapag town.

“The government troops were conducting peace and development activities in Barangay Rizal, Gamay, Northern Samar when they were approached by the surrenderees,” said Captain Amado Gutierrez, of the Philippine Army 8th Division.

Sirse was reportedly a squad member, while his partner Esponilla was in the medics team of the NPA. The couple surrendered to the Army one .45 Caliber pistol with three magazines and 20 live bullets.

“They admitted that they are live-in partners and they decided to surrender because they wish to raise a family away from harm and violence,” Gutierrez said.

Under the guns for peace program of the government, the former rebels will receive P25,000 for the firearm they surrendered. Each of them is entitled to receive P50,000 livelihood assistance and P15,000 immediate assistance from the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Peace Process (Opapp) under its comprehensive local social integration program (Clip).

The surrenderees can also avail of additional benefits from the Provincial Government of Northern Samar under its local social integration program (LSIP).

The couple was temporarily placed under custody of the Philippine Army, while the documents are being processed for their livelihood assistance and other incentives.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/tacloban/local-news/2013/10/30/rebel-couple-surrenders-311350