Pregnant NPA leader surrenders in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2021): Pregnant NPA leader surrenders in NoCot

Photo collage of Ariane Jane Ochate Ramos alias Marikit (Eastmincom photo)

A high-ranking female leader of the communist terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the military in Pikit, North Cotabato over the weekend, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said.

Maj. Alex Mindalano, Eastmincon spokesperson, identified the NPA leader as Ariane Jane Ochate Ramos alias Marikit, the secretary of Guerrilla Front 55, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, responsible for various atrocities in Paquibato District in this city.

“Marikit has long been under the radar of the military for her involvement in several extortion activities and armed clashes with the troops in the past. She was also affiliated to the League of Filipino Students and Gabriela Youth,” Mindalano said.

Marikit, who is pregnant, was the party wife of Rommel Tausan alias Rommel, a former commanding officer who died in an armed encounter with the 27th Infantry Battalion.

“At present, she is in a relationship with Daniel Bandalan alias Regoy, the current commanding officer of GF55, SRC5, SMRC and the father of the child she is expecting,” Mindalano said.

Eastmincom chief Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol assured Marikit's safety and welfare especially that she is expecting a child. He added that troops are working with other government agencies to facilitate the needs for Marikit's delivery.

“The Command will help Marikit to get financial assistance and other benefits from government programs and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program as she starts to live a new life,” Almerol added.

He also hoped that Marikit would convince her partner, as well as other NPA members to return to the fold of the law.

“Please surrender peacefully and avail of the many benefits such as financial and livelihood assistance, housing, scholarship, and others that await them through the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” Almerol said, urging other NPA members to surrender.

Marikit was among the NPA leaders who surrendered to the government this year along with Pedro Arnado, chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-SMRC and national treasurer; Ruel Dum-ogan alias Regan, commanding officer of HQ Force Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee and his wife DN Saritao of the same unit.

Other surrenderers include Marvin Magrano alias Loloy, former provincial coordinator of Bayan Muna in Sarangani province and also the vice-chairman of the now-defunct Guerrilla Front Tala’s Pambansa-Demokratikong Paaralan and Regional Headquarters, SMRC; Eping Iligan Salahay alias John, commanding officer and Milisyang Bayan of GF21C, NEMRC; Romeo Bontulan, team leader of Squad Abe, RHQ, SMRC; and alias Dala, a former commanding officer of SYP Gabon, Guerrilla Front 88.

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. Meanwhile, the NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149295