NPA rebel yields to cops

From Panay News (Sep 11, 2021): NPA rebel yields to cops (By Ruby Silubrico)

After nine years in the mountains, a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered.

The 29-year-old Rey of Iloilo province yielded to the Hamtic, Antique police station, Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Antique Police Provincial Office and the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).

He was picked up by the police and military in Barangay Poblacion 3, Hamtic on Sept. 4. He surrendered a .38 revolver too.

Rey served as the NPA’s cook for nine years under Squad 1, Suyak Platoon of Southern Front Committee (SFC) of Komiteng Rehiyon Panay, led by Ka Joven Ceralvo alias “Lex”.

They were reportedly operating in Miag-ao, Igbaras and San Joaquin towns in Iloilo province and Hamtic.

In April 16, 2013, Rey said he was recruited by one “Ka Inday” to work at a construction site. However, he ended up joining the rebel group.

According to Rey, sometime in March 2019 he decided to leave the group; he could no longer bear hiding in the mountains without sufficient food, sleep and peace of mind.

“He is now under debriefing and will be facilitated for assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” said PRO-6 spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Armel Solis.

The surrender of Rey was a result of community-based programs and activities relative to the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, providing for a Whole-of-Nation approach in defeating the Local Communist Terrorist Groups, said Solis.

Community support programs of the police and army were also a factor.

“We encourage more rebels to surrender and avail themselves of government programs,” Solis said.

https://www.panaynews.net/npa-rebel-yields-to-cops/