3 NPA leaders surrender in Surigao del Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 21, 2019): 3 NPA leaders surrender in Surigao del Norte

Three high-ranking New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army on June 18, 2019, in Surigao del Norte.

The surrenderers were identified as alias Yam, female, 21 years old, a Political Instructor of Samahang Yunit Propaganda (SYP) 16C; alias Ronie, male, 21 years old former Vice Commanding Officer; and alias Apol, 20 years old, Vice Squad Leader of SYP16B, all from Guerilla Front SYP16A, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Said personalities brought along with them one M4 Bushmaster rifle, one AR-15 rifle, one AK47 rifle, two anti-personnel mines, and subversive documents.

Alias Yam disclosed that her surrender was due to pressure and hunger while avoiding military operations.

She also observed the injustice with the rank and file members as she mentioned that only their leaders "are in comfort" while the members suffer.

Also, she mentioned the weakening support of their masses that affected their morale to continue the armed struggle. Most of their newly-recruited fighters and seasoned red fighters consequently left without any permission and went into hiding, she added.

Lt. Col. Allen Raymund Tomas, 30IB commanding officer, welcomed the said development. “With the help of the Provincial Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program Committee of Surigao del Norte we will process their immediate enrollment to avail the benefits of the said program,” said Lt. Col. Tomas.

Col. Maurito Licudine, 402nd brigade commander said it is only a matter of time that the NPA terrorist group will cease to exist.

Col. Licudine then urged the remaining members to heed the call for peace while they still have time, for the government troops will continue its combat operations to keep the pressure but remain open to those who are willing to give up to their nonsense activities.

The three surrendered personalities are now being provided with food, clothing, and shelter while their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) are being processed. (1Lt. Ken T. Enciso, CMO-30IB/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023515