NPA subleader yields in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 29, 2023): NPA subleader yields in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

NPA SURRENDERERS. Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region chief, Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, reports Thursday (June 29, 2023) the surrender of eight New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Norte. Among the eight surrenderers was a vice commanding officer who operated in Surigao del Sur, and an NPA courier in Agusan del Norte. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13)

BUTUAN CITY – A vice commander of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and three others operating in the hinterlands of Surigao del Sur have surrendered to the government after several years with the rebel group.

Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) director, on Thursday identified the rebel leader only as “Ramon” of the NPA Sentro De Grabidad 21, Sub-Regional Committee Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Ramon, 33, and his three other companions yielded to the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) and the PRO-13 Intelligence Division on Tuesday.

They handed over two improvised shotguns, a rifle grenade, two .38-caliber revolvers, and an improvised explosive device, Labra said.

“Ramon has been in the NPA movement for more than seven years operating in the areas of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur; the town of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur; and in the interior villages of Butuan City,” Labra said in a statement.

He added that the NPA leader wanted to return to his family, avail of the programs and services of the government, and settle peacefully in his community.

Meanwhile, Labra also reported the surrender of four other NPA rebels to police authorities on Tuesday in the towns of Nasipit, Santiago, Kitcharao, and Remedios T. Romuladez in Agusan del Norte.

Among the four surrenderers was “Merly” of a dismantled NPA unit under Guerrilla Front 4-A, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

“We extend a hand of peace to those who once stood against us. Their surrender represents a turning point, a moment of transformation, and an opportunity to live a peaceful life with their loved ones,” Labra said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204537