Another NPA leader yields in Davao

From the Sun Star-Davao (Feb 4): Another NPA leader yields in Davao
ANOTHER top officer of the communist group surrendered to the military on February 1 in Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur.

The surrenderer was identified as Alvie Marie Salvaleon Cominador alias Ara, the Secretary of Guerrilla Front (GF) 51 of Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC).

She surrendered together with staff Sub-Regional Command (SRC) 3 named Shane Rosete Cacdac alias Neo. They surrendered to joint elements of 39IB and 73IB in Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur last Thursday.

In an initial interview with the troops, Cominador revealed that she embraced the communist ideology since 1999 when she joined Kabataang Makabayan. Three years in the organization, she became a full time member of the New People’s Army (NPA) and rose in the hierarchy and became the Front Secretary of GF 51.

She has been in the communist movement for 16 years. According to her, she is already tired hiding from the government troopers who have launched an all-out war against the NPA.

They were pressured by this relentless offensive operation in the hinterland and at the same time, she already missed her children. This prompted her to decide to return to the folds of the law in order to live a normal and peaceful life.

“Gimingaw na ko sa akong pamilya labi na sa akoang mga anak, dili gyud ko makadalidali ug uli para makabisita sa ilaha kay tungod naa ko sa kalihukan, ug gi-kapoy na jud ko sigeg tagotago kay ang mga tropa nag sigeg operate [I miss my family specially my children, I can’t make myself available to them in times when they need me the most, because I am in the (CPP-NPA-NDF) movement. And I’m tired of hiding in the jungle and evading the intensive military operation],” she said.

It can be recalled that last January 15, 2018, Deputy Secretary of Far South Mindanao Region of CPP NPA, Noel MiniotoLegazpi, alias Efren, together with his wife JeanalynDefensorBendalian, alias Wendy, the medical staff of FSMR, surrendered to the troops of 27IB in South Cotabato.

Since then, notable number of NPA terrorists surrendered to the units under 1002nd brigade.

“With our intensive security operations and continuous collaborations with our stakeholders, we can array our efforts in attaining lasting peace,” 39IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Rhojun Rosales said.

 The former rebels will be presented to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Davao Del Sur for immediate assistance and enrollment to the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government for rebel returnees where they will receive financial and livelihood assistance.

The national government reiterated its call for the red fighters to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream society to enjoy the programs of the government.

"We are calling the attention of the remaining NPA terrorist of GF 51 and other Communist NPA Terrorist who are still hiding, to grab this opportunity to return to the folds of law together with your firearms. You deserve to have a peaceful life with your family. Most of your high ranking officials and members are already enjoying the support program of the government,” Colonel Roberto Ancan 1002nd Brigade Commander said.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2018/02/04/another-npa-leader-yields-davao-587205