2 NPA rebels, supporter surrender in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2021): 2 NPA rebels, supporter surrender in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

WITHDRAWAL OF SUPPORT. Dingalan Mayor Shierwin H. Taay (left) helps former chairman of Aurora Justice and Peace Action Group identified only as Ed to yield to the Philippine Army at the Municipal Hall, Barangay Poblacion, Dingalan in Aurora on Friday (April 23, 2021). The surrenderer made his official withdrawal of support to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army. (Photo Courtesy of 91st IB)

BALER, Aurora – Two members and a supporter of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) are under validation following their surrender to government troops here on Friday.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, said the government troops' intelligence build-up and intensified operation resulted in the surrender of a certain alias Marvin/Rexon, a former squad leader of Squad Dos, Regional Sentro de Gabridad (RSDG), Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Quirino-Nueva Vizcaya (KLG Q-NV), Komiteng Probinsya Isabela Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley (KOMPROB ISABELA, KR-CV).

Another surrenderer is identified only as alias Jun, a former member of Sangay sa Yunit Propaganda (SYP) of the Central Front, KR-CV in Barangay Calabuanan, Rubio said in an interview.

Meanwhile, a former chairman of Aurora Justice and Peace Action Group (JPAG) alias Ed also yielded to the operatives of Alpha Company, of 91st IB, led by 1st Lt. Jevie J. Sagragao together with Police Executive Master Sgt. Manuel Roldan P. Gonzales of Dingalan Municipal Police Station and Mayor Shierwin H. Taay.

Taay, in line with the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), facilitated Ed's withdrawal of support to the CPP-NPA.

Rubio said the number of surrenderers continues to increase after realizing that they have been fighting without cause and only bringing agitation to their families and communities.

"We will facilitate their E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) assistance and other livelihood assistance from national government agencies and local government units while facilitating to go back in the mainstream of the society,” he said.

He branded this accomplishment as "remarkable" as it greatly shows the continuous weakening of the terror group through the loss of support from communities.

“Their surrender to the government and withdrawal of support from the terrorist group will save people from harm and hostile activities brought by the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Rubio said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137903