4 NPA members surrender in Aklan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 20, 2021): 4 NPA members surrender in Aklan (By Jemin B. Guillermo) 

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- Four members of the communist rebel group New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the government forces at Libacao, Aklan on February 18, 2021.

The Barangay Captain of Manika, Libacao, Aklan turned-over the surrenderers who are active members of Kilusang Rehiyong Panay (KR-PANAY) operating in the areas of Barangay Manika and Barangay Dalagsa-an, Libacao, Aklan, said Police Regional Office 6 Information Officer Lt. Col. Joem Malong in a press release.

According to report, the surrenderers are cousins and are all locals of Libacao town who joined the NPA last December 2020 in return for cash.

However, they decided to leave the group because of the realization of the deceptions made by their recruiters as the promised money to be given to them once they are in the group was not materialized.

The local government unit of Libacao, Aklan will evaluate the four surrenderers for their availment of Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) the soonest possible for them to start a new and better life, the press release added.

Presently, they are under the custody of Libacao Municipal Police Station for safe keeping.

On the other hand, PRO 6 director Police Brig. Gen. Rolando F. Miranda welcomed the surrenderers and urged other rebels to do the same.

“I would like to encourage other communist group members to surrender because the government’s assistance awaits you. Let us help our government in its efforts to end local communist armed conflict in our country,” Miranda added. (PIA6/Story by Lt. Col. JJMalong/PRO6-RPIO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067445