4 NPA rebels surrender in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 9, 2025): 4 NPA rebels surrender in Bicol (By Connie Calipay)

Police Regional Office-5 Headquarters in Legazpi City (PNA file photo)

LEGAZPI CITY – Four members of the New People's Army (NPA) operating in Bicol voluntarily surrendered to authorities early this week.

In a report on Wednesday, Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5), said the returnees are from the provinces of Masbate and Sorsogon.

Three of them identified as alias "Dado", "Ting", and "Ando", all of legal age and members of Platoon 1, Larangan 2, Kilusang Larangan Guerilla South Sub Regional Committee 4 of the NPA's Bicol Regional Party Committee, surrendered to a joint team from the Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay (RPSB) in Baras village, Esperanza town in Masbate province, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), and the Esperanza Municipal Police Station.

"The surrenderers are currently under the custody of the RPSB Team Baras and the 2nd PMFC for debriefing and documentation," Calubaquib said.

In Sorsogon, another NPA member, known only as "Juan," surrendered to the joint team from the 502nd Mobile Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5, Matnog Municipal Police Station, and the 22nd Infantry Battalion Alpha Company of the Philippine Army.

He turned over a .45 caliber pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition.

Alias "Juan" was identified as an active informant for communist terrorist group (CTG) operations from 2007 to 2009 and again from 2019 to 2023, particularly in Barangay Mapaso, Irosin town.

He is now under the custody of the 502nd Mobile Company and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 for further processing.

The surrendered individuals will be enrolled in the government’s "Balik-Loob" program through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The E-CLIP is designed to promote reconciliation in a non-violent manner and offers a package of assistance, including immediate support, help with the reintegration process, capital for livelihood, and remuneration for surrendered firearms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241342