A HIGH-RANKING leader of the New People's Army (NPA) has recently surrendered to military authorities in Barangay Kiabo, Malitbog in Bukidnon following the successive focused military operations and intensified intelligence operation launched a week ago.
According to military statement, the high-ranking personality was identified as alias Ka Jayto, 26, the commander of the SRSDG EAGLES, SRC1 of Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee for four years. The man is considered as a high value individual due to his position in the local NPA hierarchy.
On May 12, his wife, Renchie, a medic of the same committee, returned to the folds of the law and left the communist group. Prenatal demands, sleepless nights, fatigue and extreme hunger ushered her surrender.
Renchie, since her departure from the communist group, remained in contact with Jayto.
The 16th Infantry Battalion (16th IB) facilitated negotiations to compel the surrender of Jayto.
Jayto said that his longing to be reunited with his spouse and child fueled his courage to leave his group in the mountains.
"Lisod ang panginabuhi, lisod ang pangita’g pagkaun, sige ug tago sa mga sundalo ug mga pulis, nahinay-hinay nako nasinati sa kadugayon nako sa kabukiran na ang akoang gikatuuhan diay kay walay padulngan," Jayto said.
"Ug nakonsensya sa akong asawa na nanganak na, naa nami bata, ug pangandoy niya na makompleto mi sa among pamilya," he added.
Jayto and his family are currently under the custody of the unit undergoing the usual process for returning rebels.
The unit is providing initial assistance, including livelihood aid and skills training. The former rebels' enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to start anew is now being facilitated.