TWO alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered following the “collaborative efforts” of the authorities in Eastern Visayas.
In an information from the police regional command, the former rebels were identified as alias Arnold, 34, and alias Julie, 28.
Alias Arnold surrendered at the Intelligence Unit of Samar Police Provincial Office in Catbalogan City on Thursday, January 21, 2021.
He was allegedly affiliated with sub-regional committee Browser, according to the report.
Authorities also identified alias Julie as a member of a sub-regional guerrilla unit operating in some areas in Leyte.
Joint elements from 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, Provincial Intelligence Unit and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group facilitated his surrender on January 20.
“We are hoping that more rebels will come up with the same decision made by Ka Julie. Our government has opened the doors wide for them to have a better life and for us to have a sustainable peace and development not only in Northern Samar but throughout the country as well,” said Colonel Arnel Apud, director of Northern Samar Police Provincial Office.
According to the police official, alias Julie was also involved in the harassment of NPA to the troops providing security during the 2016 local elections in Barangay Roxas, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar.
The former rebel also handed over a caliber .45 pistol with six rounds of live ammunition and one fragmentation grenade.
Authorities said the former rebels will receive government assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (SunStar Philippines)