FIVE alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government forces in Samar and Leyte on July 23 and 26, 2020.

In Samar, police identified the rebel returnee as alias “Walik,” a 26 year-old-farmer from Basey town.

The surrenderer worked as a cook for the rebel forces from June 1 to 21, 2020, until he decided to surrender to start a new life, according to the police.

In Leyte, four alleged NPA members voluntarily surrendered to 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st LPMFC) headed by Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Señal.

The former rebels also turned over several rifles and ammunition to the 1st LPMFC headquarters in Baybay City on July 26.

Police identified the surrenderers as alias “Sammy,” “Abit,” “Rene Boy” and “Jomar,” all from Leyte, Leyte.

Police were able to locate and convince the four alleged NPA members to surrender through intelligence and information operation or counter propaganda, according to a report from Police Regional Office (PRO)-Eastern Visayas.

Eastern Visayas, particularly the Samar Island, remained a hotbed of insurgency with the continued presence of NPA. (SunStar Philippines)