A 37-YEAR-OLD alleged member the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Carigara, Leyte Monday, March 1, 2021.

Alias Ruben, identified as a squad leader of the Militia ng Bayan under the Mt. Amendewin command-Squad Dos, decided to surrender “to live a normal life with his loved ones with the assistance of the government,” according to the report from the Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas.

The former rebel also turned in one caliber .45 pistol and one magazine assembly loaded with seven live ammunition for the same caliber.

Alias Ruben’s surrender was reportedly facilitated by joint elements of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8, 124th Special Action Force, 12SAB Battalion Commander, Capoocan Municipal Police Station, and 2nd Leyte Mobile Force Company.

Eastern Visayas has remained a hotbed of insurgency with the continued presence of the NPA. (SunStar Philippines)