14-year-old NPA supporter, 54 others yield to Samar cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2023): 14-year-old NPA supporter, 54 others yield to Samar cops (By Sarwell Meniano)

LEAVING NPA. Some members of the New People's Army (NPA) underground mass organizations who surrendered to policemen in Palapag, Northern Samar in this April 8, 2023. At least 55 staunch allies of the NPA, including village officials, have surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas between April 3 to 11, an official said on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 55 staunch allies of the New People’s Army (NPA), including a teener and village officials, have surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas between April 3 to 11, an official said Wednesday.

In a press statement, 49 yielded to authorities during the Holy Week and six of them showed up to policemen on April 11. These NPA supporters belong to the NPA’s underground mass organizations (UGMO).

Most of the UGMO members are residents of the upland villages of Bagacay, Bangon and Osmeña in Palapag town in Northern Samar. Some are residents of Laurel Village in General MacArthur, Eastern Samar and Cal-igan Village in Catarman, Northern Samar.

Among the surrenderers are village officials and health workers. The youngest is 14-year-old and the eldest is 70-year-old.

They yielded to authorities after joint negotiations between the community, police and military forces in Samar provinces.

“Their surrender is a result of the joint negotiations between the community and the police and military forces in the Samar provinces. To put an end to this false propaganda once and for all, we will continue to urge other NPA members to turn themselves into the authorities and lay down their arms,” PNP Eastern Visayas regional director Brig. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said.

The PNP is currently verifying court records if those who surrendered have standing warrants.

The NPA has established UGMOs to further assist the armed atrocities and other activities of the rebel group.

The government will assist enlist former UGMO members as members of the peacebuilder’s group in Samar provinces. They will undergo livelihood training and will be asked to assist the government in wiping out the insurgency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199250