AN ALLEGED high-ranking leader of New People’s Army (NPA) was killed, while two others surrendered to authorities in Eastern Visayas, the Philippine Army and police reported on Wednesday, December 23, 2020.

The 43rd Infantry Battalion identified the fatality as alias Apple, the secretary of front committee 2, sub-regional committee Emporium of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

He was killed during a 30-minute encounter in the vicinity of Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar on December 21.

His body was left behind by the retreating comrades, composed of around 60 rebels, according to the army report.

The government troops recovered one cellular phone, two bottles of dextrose and subversive documents inside a rebel camp in the area.

Meanwhile, two former rebels also voluntarily surrendered to the First and Second Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC) of the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) in Catbalogan City on December 21.

They were identified as alias Jai, 27, single and a resident of Calbayog City; and alias Unyang, 42, housewife, from Catbalogan.

“Her motivation of having to enjoy a peaceful and virtuous life led to her decision to cede to the arms of law and avail the program of the government,” the First SPMFC said on Jai’s surrender.

Lieutenant Colonel Ma. Bella Rentuaya, spokesperson of Police Regional Office, said a total of 63 former rebels have surrendered in Eastern Visayas from January to December 23.

Another 15 rebels were also arrested while six were killed during the police operations.

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